KLUANG: The fierce storm that wreaked havoc in eight residential areas on Tuesday night saw a concerted clean-up effort by various government agencies, volunteer groups and members of the community since the night of the incident.

The downpour broguht down many trees which caused damage to properties.

The clean-up iniative by SWM Environment Sdn Bhd, Kluang Municipal Council, Civil Defense Department, Johor Welfare Department, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Kluang Fire and Rescue Department, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the police, Association of Policemen’s Families (Perkep) and People’s Volunteer Cops (Rela) comprised 104 personnel.

Some 266 houses were affected in the evening incident resulting in property damage in Taman Indah Jaya 1, Taman Indah Jaya 2, Taman Ko-Rakyat, Taman Matahari, Taman Dato Amar Diraja, Taman Sri Paya, Taman Ilham and Taman Bertuah.

Kluang district officer Mohd Fuad Radzuan said there were no casualties reported in the storm that took place about 6.30pm on June 2.

An evening storm brought down the awning and roofing of houses in several housing areas in Kluang.

Fuad said as a result of the incident, some of these areas also faced power cuts.

“All government agencies have been instructed to help to clean up the areas as well as assist residents affected by the storm.

“The Johor Welfare Department is also assisting with the food supply and other needs, while the affected houses will be monitored by the police, Public Service Department and Rela.

As a result of the 20-minute storm, neighbouring Paloh suffered flash floods, he said. Meanwhile, Kluang Fire and Rescue department chief Akob Sidek said the department received distress calls at around 6.30pm on the incident in Kluang and 7.01pm regarding the Paloh episode. He said three fire engines, 20 firemen from Kluang and 10 volunteer firemen from Ayer Hitam were deployed to assist the victims and also to cut the fallen trees.

Some trees had fallen on houses while others had blocked the roads.

“At the moment, we are at a temporary operations room in Taman Indah Jaya to gather details on those affected.

“Two evacuation centres have been set-up at Dewan Kampung Paya and Dewan Kampung Tengah,” he said.