KUALA TERENGGANU: Giant waves and strong winds damaged two houses in Kampung Tanjong Gelam, Kuala Nerus and came close to damaging another 13 more last night.
State Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Rozizah Abnihajar said the strong winds were experienced by residents starting from around 6pm, and its intensity increased further at around 9pm.
Rozizah said the first distress call was received by the Kuala Nerus station at 10.32pm.
" The high tide made the situation worse at Kampung Tanjung Gelam. We rushed two fire engines and 20 firemen from Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus stations to the scene,” she added.
When the firemen arrived, two houses were already damaged by the waves which came close to damaging 13 other houses.
“We have advised them to seek shelter at nearby houses,” she added.
Victim Abdullah Mat Isa, 52, of Kampung Tanjung Gelam said in the past, the waves only came close to his house but this time it damaged the house.
“It struck at 8pm. Our kitchen was damaged two hours later. We fled the house fearing the worse,” he added.
Meanwhile State Infrastructure and Public Utilities Committee chairman Rosli Othman said he received information that the huge waves had eroded several areas in Kemaman, Dungun, Setiu, Kuala Terengganu and Besut.
“I have yet to receive feedback from the Drainage and Irrigation Department as well as other related agencies. However, we have activated our emergency response plan to help affected residents,” he said.