(Kuching, 26th) On the afternoon of the 25th, Kuching experienced a severe storm. Part of the ceiling panels at Kuching International Airport were blown off, multiple trees collapsed, vehicles were damaged, and the iron roof of an apartment in Tabuan Dayak was ripped off by strong winds and blown into nearby homes.
One of the more severely affected parties was the home of Chimon Upon, a photojournalist with a local daily, in Tabuan Dayak. At the time, large metal roof panels and structural frameworks from a nearby apartment, lifted off by the strong wind, crashed into his house, with his mother-in-law and son inside at the time.
The violent impact caused substantial damage to parts of the roof of the house, leaving holes and affecting the electricity supply. After the storm, large amounts of roofing material and metal framework were scattered around the property.
Kuching South City Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who inspected the scene, pointed out that although the incident was serious, there were currently no reports of injuries.
He said: “Fortunately, no one was injured.” He also noted two other reports of roofs being ripped off by strong wind.
Wee Hong Seng described the incident as an unpredictable natural disaster, and said that increasingly extreme weather was yet another reminder of the impact of climate change.
He said: “These are unpredictable situations. In fact, we can see the effects of climate change, including haze, hot weather, and sudden storms. This is why we always talk about environmental sustainability.”
He added that the authorities will work with relevant agencies, including the developer of the affected apartment, to assist the affected residents and help them return to normal life as soon as possible.
“We will do our best to assist the affected residents to ensure everything returns to normal. For now, we’ll discuss with relevant parties including the developer to see how to relocate affected residents, since the roof is already gone and the home can’t withstand another storm.”
“We’ll see how we can provide assistance so residents can return home.”
Wee Hong Seng also called on the public not to assign blame or argue on social media, but rather focus on helping those affected.
He said: “There is no need to blame any party or shirk responsibility; that will not solve the problem. Let's work together to solve the problem and put ourselves in the shoes of those affected.”
“If there are areas for improvement, make constructive suggestions. If you can’t help, just keep silent; if you can help, please lend a hand. This is the Sarawak spirit... Sarawakians should help each other.”
Meanwhile, social media spread news of various disasters throughout Kuching city, including multiple vehicles damaged by fallen trees along roads from Saradise to Aeroville, and motorcycles blown over by strong winds in various areas.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department also reported incidents of fallen trees in several areas of Kuching and Samarahan divisions, including Desa Wira, Jalan Arang, Samarahan Golf Club, and the Stutong swimming pool, among others.
The violent impact caused substantial damage to parts of the roof of the house, leaving holes and affecting the electricity supply. After the storm, large amounts of roofing material and metal framework were scattered around the property.
Kuching South City Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who inspected the scene, pointed out that although the incident was serious, there were currently no reports of injuries.
He said: “Fortunately, no one was injured.” He also noted two other reports of roofs being ripped off by strong wind.
Wee Hong Seng described the incident as an unpredictable natural disaster, and said that increasingly extreme weather was yet another reminder of the impact of climate change.
He said: “These are unpredictable situations. In fact, we can see the effects of climate change, including haze, hot weather, and sudden storms. This is why we always talk about environmental sustainability.”
He added that the authorities will work with relevant agencies, including the developer of the affected apartment, to assist the affected residents and help them return to normal life as soon as possible.
“We will do our best to assist the affected residents to ensure everything returns to normal. For now, we’ll discuss with relevant parties including the developer to see how to relocate affected residents, since the roof is already gone and the home can’t withstand another storm.”
“We’ll see how we can provide assistance so residents can return home.”
Wee Hong Seng also called on the public not to assign blame or argue on social media, but rather focus on helping those affected.
He said: “There is no need to blame any party or shirk responsibility; that will not solve the problem. Let's work together to solve the problem and put ourselves in the shoes of those affected.”
“If there are areas for improvement, make constructive suggestions. If you can’t help, just keep silent; if you can help, please lend a hand. This is the Sarawak spirit... Sarawakians should help each other.”
Meanwhile, social media spread news of various disasters throughout Kuching city, including multiple vehicles damaged by fallen trees along roads from Saradise to Aeroville, and motorcycles blown over by strong winds in various areas.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department also reported incidents of fallen trees in several areas of Kuching and Samarahan divisions, including Desa Wira, Jalan Arang, Samarahan Golf Club, and the Stutong swimming pool, among others.
