GEORGE TOWN: A freak storm wreaked havoc in several parts of Penang with trees being uprooted, causing damage to cars and motorcycles.

Among the worst hit areas were in Batu Uban, Sungai Dua, Sungai Nibong and Bayan Lepas.

Traffic returned to normal in the morning yesterday as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) staff moved in swiftly to clear debris and tree branches along the roads in Sungai Nibong and Bayan Lepas.

On the mainland, strong winds swept through several places causing trees to fall in Jalan Raja Uda, Jalan Ong Yi How, Mak Mandin, Teluk Ayer Tawar, Permatang Rawa, Kebun Sireh and Sungai Lembu.

No one was hurt during the incident.

The storm caused severe damage to two cars and two motorcycles parked within the compound of Universiti Sains Malaysia here.

Mohd Hafiz Ahmad, a first-year postgraduate student of the university, said he regretted not moving his car earlier from the carpark near his hostel.

“It was windy and I sensed something bad was about to happen. I already had the key with me but before I could reach my car, a huge tree fell on it.

“Now, I have no choice but to walk or take buses to attend classes,” said the 26-year-old when met at the scene.

Another victim Mohd Adzim Shafion, 24, said his car was a total wreck after the huge tree toppled and landed on it.

“It was a relief that I was not in the car then. The tree crushed the roof of my car and shattered the windscreen,” he said.

USM’s Media and Public Relations director Mohamad Abdullah said they have a Respond Team (USMaRT) comprising officers who manage the hostels.

“The team was alerted to the storm last night. Luckily no students were injured during the incident,” he said.-thestar