Delicate operation: Council workers moving the tree which fell next to a roadside coffee shop along Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Coffee shop helper Ewe Tong Hai was preparing a cup of coffee when he heard the crack of an uprooting tree.
Sensing danger, the 66-year-old and several patrons quickly dashed out of the roadside shop.
Moments later, a large tree came crashing down, striking a part of the coffee shop’s zinc roof and blocking part of Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the 9am incident yesterday.
Ewe, who has worked there for over 20 years, said: “The rain has been heavy lately, but I never expected the tree to fall.
“It was scary when I saw it tipping over. I am just glad none of us was hurt and the tree did not cause any major damage.”
Curry mee seller Leong Chee Wah, 53, said he saw the tree tilting before it toppled over.
Nature’s wrath: Heavy rain and strong winds caused trees to fall in seven separate incidents across Penang. — Photo from social media
“It did not fall suddenly, so we had time to react.
“Thankfully, it missed the coffee shop and did not hit anyone or any vehicles,” said Leong, who had to close his stall early as part of the road was blocked.
Penang has been experiencing continuous rain since late Tuesday night with strong winds toppling trees, causing traffic congestion and damaging electrical cables.
Earlier, Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director John Sagun Francis confirmed several cases of tree falling across the state.
“There were incidents at seven locations – six on the island and one on the mainland. Our teams have since cleared the debris,” he said.
Residents were not surprised by the wet weather and traffic woes, linking the rains to the ongoing Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
Traditional belief has it that the rain is seen as a blessing or purification that helps cleanse the streets, temples and devotees during the nine days of vegetarian observance and prayer.
Engineer Steven Yeap, 33, said he and his colleagues had already anticipated the rainy conditions.
“Despite leaving home early, I was still late for work. But everyone understood, as it always rains during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
“It’s expected, though the strong winds this time caused trees to fall and forced traffic to reroute,” he said.
The Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the country is in the inter-monsoon period.
It was reported yesterday that Penang is bracing for the effects of the La Nina phenomenon, expected to impact the country from now until December.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s disaster management committee has placed technical and emergency response teams on standby to handle any arising situations.
He said Penang can expect rainfall between 60mm and 430mm monthly, with rainy days ranging from eight to 21 days.
