A DBKU contractor uses a crane to lift the cut branches and trees into a lorry for disposal.
KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has taken immediate action after several trees were uprooted by strong winds at Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Yakub on Thursday afternoon.
According to DBKU mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan, all uprooted trees and fallen branches obstructing traffic flow in the area will be removed immediately and the debris will be cleared within three days.
“As the city administrator of Kuching North, DBKU is currently conducting regular tree management through thorough inspection and mitigation exercises on all roadside trees and parks.
“We are also conducting timely health checks on trees at the identified areas,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Junaidi said that the commission is also responsible for reviewing the condition and identifying potential hazards posed by trees that were planted over 30 years ago and have reached the age of maturity.
He asserted that identified high risk trees will be cut in phases as cutting all the trees along the road may not be the advisable solution.
“The identified trees that pose a high risk to the public will be cut in phases in accordance to a work schedule and will be replaced with new and suitable trees that can withstand strong winds,” he added.
As such, the commission advised all motorists and road users to be more cautious while driving during the current rainy season in order to avoid any unforeseen incidents.
DBKU contractors are seen clearing the debris caused by the fallen trees.
On Thursday, at least seven trees were uprooted by strong winds at Jalan Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Yakub, which led to massive traffic delays as both lanes were blocked by the fallen trees and debris.
According to sources, the trees were uprooted due to the strong winds that lasted for 20 minutes.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel were at the scene and assisted DBKU contractors in clearing the area. No injuries were reported.
Yesterday morning, DBKU contractors were seen clearing the fallen trees, lifting the cut branches and trees into a lorry.