Bomba personnel clearing an uprooted tree at Jalan Miri-Pujut, with its branches obstructing traffic.
MIRI: Torrential rain accompanied by strong winds hit Miri City yesterday afternoon, creating havoc by felling several trees and damaging properties.
Thick black clouds were spotted approaching the city centre around 4pm, followed by strong winds which lasted until late afternoon. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Several trees and branches were reported to have fallen on the roads in various areas in the city, among them in front of a petrol station at Jalan Miri-Pujut and near government quarters in Tanjong Lobang.
Miri Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Law Poh Kiong said Bomba received a call at 4.45pm and dispatched seven personnel in two fire engines to the scene, eight kilometres away from Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station.
“A tree fell onto a lorry with a driver and a passenger due to strong wind. They managed to get themselves out from the lorry with no injuries or casualties reported,” said Law.
Bomba personnel helped clear the tree and branches that fell on the lorry and the debris on the road.
Law added that a staff member of Miri City Council (MCC) was slightly injured while helping in the clearing work and he was sent to hospital for treatment.
In its forecast, the Meteorological Department expected strong winds in the afternoon yesterday in several places including coastal areas here which lasted until late afternoon. The department also forecast strong winds up to 50km/hour and strong currents and waves up to 3.5 metres or 11 feet, which is hazardous to small boats.