Rain, winds wreak havoc in Labuan

LABUAN: Torrential rain accompanied by strong winds hit this duty-free-island today, toppling several trees and lamp posts and damaging property.
The rain and winds struck this city from about 8am to 10am. The winds lasted until early afternoon. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Several trees toppled and branches fell onto roads in various areas in the city and villages, including Taman Sehat Kerupang 3, Pandur Hitam and Pohon Batu.
Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director Zainal Madasin said the department received a distress call at about 8 am and rushed personnel in two trucks to the affected areas.
A house in Taman Sehat Kerupang 3 was hit by a falling tree, while a lamp post fell and almost hit the house.
Civil Defence Force personnel helped to clear roads of fallen trees and branches.
The Meteorological Department had warned of thunderstorms and strong winds in Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan until noon.
It said the winds, of up to 50kph, and waves at sea of up to 3.5m high, were hazardous to small boats. — Bernama