JASIN: About eight food stalls, including seven at the Pantai Siring food court in Pulai near here, were damaged in a storm that struck the area early Sunday morning (June 29).

The food court's owner, Noraini Mat Diah, 63, said the incident was first noticed by guests staying at a nearby resort around 1am.

"Repairs may take up to two weeks," she said, estimating losses at over RM10,000.

Noraini said the storm not only disrupted the traders' livelihoods but also affected tourism activities in Pantai Siring, a popular destination during weekend and holidays.

Food vendor Siti Roslida Mat Rusli, 39, said she had just closed her stall at 11pm and was on her way home when she was informed of the incident through the traders' group chat.

"My husband and I rushed back to the stall and found tables and chairs scattered, and the roof partially torn off. Due to this incident, we may not be able to operate for a while, which will definitely affect our livelihood," she said.

Another vendor, Nor Hazalina Abd Rashid, 44, said her putu bambu stall was badly damaged, resulting in losses of over RM3,000.

She said she was in Kuala Lumpur when she received the news and immediately returned, only to find her zinc-roofed stall in ruins.

"This stall is our main source of income as the area attracts many tourists, especially on weekends. I was supposed to open for business today, but the stall is destroyed. I can only accept this as fate," she said. - Bernama

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a weather advisory for Terengganu, forecasting frequent rain and thunderstorms from Sunday until Saturday.

The department urged the public to stay updated on weather conditions, particularly those involved in maritime activities.

Rosli Zakaria, director of MetMalaysia Terengganu, stated that the Southwest Monsoon season, which typically lasts until September or October, will bring unpredictable weather to the east coast.

“This week, Terengganu can expect thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings, accompanied by strong winds and high waves along coastal areas,“ he said.

“We encourage everyone to check forecasts via the MetMalaysia website, myCuaca app, or hotline 1-300-22-1638 before heading out,“ Rosli added.

In a related incident, three individuals, including two young children, tragically lost their lives when a boat capsized near Pulau Perhentian during a storm late last night.

The vessel, carrying 15 passengers, sank amid heavy rain and rough seas.

MELAKA : “Saya sangkakan angin biasa-biasa saja, rupanya bumbung rumah terus hilang diterbangkan ribut,” 

Itu kata Abdul Rahim Ahmad, 54, yang menceritakan detik cemas dalam kejadian ribut yang melanda kediaman bapa mentuanya di Jalan Mulia, Kampung Pulai Pantai, di sini, awal pagi tadi.

Dalam kejadian kira-kira pukul 1 pagi itu, Abdul Rahim yang tinggal bersebelahan rumah terbabit berkata, dia keluar rumah untuk memeriksa sangkar kucing sebelum adik iparnya tiba-tiba menjerit memberitahu bumbung rumah sudah diterbangkan ribut.

“Dalam masa sama, jiran-jiran turut datang beritahu bumbung rumah kami tercampak tidak jauh dari kawasan ini, rumah ini memang kerap kena angin kuat sebab dekat pantai, tapi ini kali pertama seteruk ini.

“Waktu kejadian, bapa mentua saya berusia 69 tahun tidur di ruang tamu kerana kurang sihat, manakala dua adik ipar perempuan masing-masing berusia 35 dan 29 tahun sedang tidur di bilik, nasib baik semua sedar dan sempat lari keluar,” katanya ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia hari ini.

Tambahnya, mereka bersyukur kerana tiada kecederaan berlaku meskipun keseluruhan struktur bumbung rumah habis diterbangkan angin.

Menurutnya, pihak Jawatankuasa Pembangunan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JPKK) Kampung Pulai sudah datang meninjau kejadian yang berlaku dan kini sedang menunggu bantuan lanjut daripada pihak berwajib. – UTUSAN

NEW DELHI: Nine construction workers went missing after a midnight cloudburst triggered a massive landslide on Saturday (June 28) in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district on Yamunotri National Highway.

A joint search and rescue operation has been launched by multiple agencies, and the Chardham pilgrimage on the Yamunotri track has been suspended for the next 24 hours.

The deluge of sludge and debris completely devastated the labour camp where workers were staying in tents.

Ten workers were rescued safely by the teams of local police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response (NDRF), National Highway and district administration, but nine of them were still missing.

Police said that nearly five of the missing people were of Nepali origin, three were from Dehradun, and one was from Uttar Pradesh.

Missing persons were mainly road construction workers and those engaged in a nearby under-construction hotel.

Reacting to the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami posted on ‘X’, "It’s reported that some workers are missing in a landslide at Silai Band area of Barkot Tehsil in district Uttarkashi.

"SDRF, NDRF and other teams have reached the site. They have launched an intensive relief and rescue operation to find missing persons. I am in constant touch with the authorities concerned."

Meanwhile, Uttarkashi district administration is ensuring controlled access of the Yamunotri National Highway with priority for public safety, and the Chardham pilgrimage has been suspended on this route for the next 24 hours.

The step has been taken for the safety of the pilgrims stranded on the way, as the road is blocked at several places due to landslides caused by a sudden cloudburst.

Stranded pilgrims are being taken to safer locations by the police and district administration.

Incessant rains for nearly two days in this hill area have caused multiple road fractures on Yamunotri Highway, blocking the road at several points, informed SDRF officials.

Efforts are being made to clear the road and restore connectivity. - The Statesman/ANN