'My ears were ringing': Fierce storm leaves trail of damage in Damansara Damai

PETALING JAYA: A resident of Pangsapuri Saujana in Damansara Damai was left shaken after a storm struck the area yesterday, damaging his car when a tree branch fell on it.

"My ears were ringing from the sound of the extremely strong winds, followed by thunder. I was too afraid to leave my home," said Mazlan Ismail, 59.

He said the incident occurred at about 1pm, after the weather had initially been calm before the sky suddenly darkened and strong winds swept through the area.

As soon as the storm subsided, he rushed to the parking area and found his car's windows shattered, while the roof and sides of the rear boot were badly dented after being struck by the fallen branch.

"This is the second time in 3 years that we have experienced a storm this strong," he said when met at the scene.

The situation was reportedly worse in nearby areas, particularly at Pangsapuri Impian, where several residents' vehicles were damaged by fallen trees.

Residents also raised concerns over what they claimed was a lack of regular maintenance of trees along roadsides.

Pangsapuri Suria resident Rafizan Ramli, 40, said the large trees in the densely populated residential area had not been properly maintained.

"Most of the trees along the roadside have grown too large and dense, while some appear to be in poor condition.

"There has been no regular maintenance. When a strong storm hits, this is what happens.

"We urge the authorities to learn from this incident and immediately trim trees that pose a risk before someone loses their life," he said.

Rafizan said fallen trees also blocked several major roads, causing severe traffic congestion.

"Help took some time to arrive as responders had to find routes that were still accessible. However, we are grateful that the Civil Defence Force, the Fire and Rescue Department and local authorities acted quickly," he said.

Checks at the scene found that tree-cutting and debris-clearing operations were still underway to clear affected roads and ease traffic congestion.