Storm, continuous rains wreaking havoc in Langkawi

LANGKAWI: Occassional storm and continuous rain wreaked havoc in Langkawi as several houses and cars were damaged yesterday.

More than 10 vehicles were damaged after being hit by fallen trees along Jalan Pantai Kok here while roofs of several houses were torn off by sudden strong winds at several locations here.

In spite of the numerous pictures of the damage caused by the harsh weather making their rounds on the social media, Langkawi OCPD, Supt Dr Che Ghazali Che Awang said no one had yet to come forward to report their losses.

“Probably they are still assessing the damage but we had deployed our personnel to the ground to check the situation and to offer assistance where required,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Meanwhile, the Langkawi Disaster Management Committee Chairman, Isahak Murat said three families at Kampung Belak at Mukim Kedawang had to evacuate after water levels reached the floor of their homes.

“They are currently being sheltered at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kedawang while waiting for the weather situation to improve,” said Isahak, who is also the Langkawi District Officer.

Earlier he told Bernama that tour operators on the island had been advised to cease their seaside activities for the time being as a precautionary measure under the prevailing bad weather condition.

He also advised the fishing community to continue monitoring the weather report and to seek advice from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency ( MMEA) before deciding to go out to sea.

“The committee’s operation room had been activated at the Langkawi District Office to enable the public to channel or obtain any information regarding flood or storm disasters that occurred in their areas,” he added.

The operation room can be contacted at 04- 9666963. — Bernama