Falling tree kills father, daughter amid Penang storms

Two Chinese tourists—a man and his daughter—were tragically killed today, just hours after the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) revealed plans to remove 54 trees considered at risk of falling during severe weather.

The tourists were in their car, parked near the Penang Peranakan Mansion, when they were struck by both a collapsing tree and falling building debris at 2:15 p.m. in Lebuh Gereja.

This incident comes as part of a broader weather crisis in Penang, where floods and strong winds have caused extensive damage across the island.

Widespread destruction amid storms and floods

Penang Island has been hit by severe storms, resulting in widespread damage, including hundreds of fallen trees.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has reported over 130 instances of tree collapses across the island, with key areas like Lorong Perak, Church Street Peranakan, and Scotland Road affected.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed that floods have been reported in 71 locations and warned residents to exercise caution as the storms are expected to continue until tomorrow.

“Since Sunday, we have seen a devastating number of fallen trees in 133 locations. On that day alone, three houses and eight cars were damaged,” Chow shared during a press conference.

He added that reports of fallen trees have continued, with 43 new cases as of midday today.

Penang flood victims and evacuations

The floods have led to the displacement of hundreds of residents across Penang, with 10 temporary relief centres (PPS) set up to house affected individuals.

As of this afternoon, 623 flood victims remain in shelters, down slightly from 635 earlier in the day.

Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) remains the most affected district, with 430 individuals from 115 families currently seeking refuge in four PPS, including Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Menora and the Labuh Banting Flood Evacuation Centre.

In Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT), 125 victims from 32 families are being housed in four shelters, while in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), 68 victims are staying in two relief centres.

The Penang Disaster Management Committee reported that one PPS in Bukit Teh was closed earlier today as residents were able to return home after flood waters receded.

Despite some improvement, the situation remains tense in several areas, particularly along the coast.

Heavy rain and strong winds continue to batter parts of SPU, with large waves crashing into shops at Pantai Bersih and Bagan Ajam.

Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, as the danger from further tree collapses and rising flood waters persists.

Penang residents are reminded to stay indoors and adhere to safety precautions as recovery efforts continue.

With storms expected to last through tomorrow, the focus now is on minimising further loss of life and damage.