TEMPORARY STRUCTURES MOST AT RISK FROM TROPICAL STORM SENYAR – ACADEMIC

KUANTAN, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The impact of tropical storm Senyar, which is expected to hit Peninsular Malaysia, could pose a threat to unstable building structures, especially temporary ones, according to a university dean.

Dr Noram Irwan Ramli said that based on the estimated wind speed of 50 kilometres per hour, the wind is categorised as strong and could pose a threat to certain structures, but has yet to reach the level capable of damaging sturdy structures built in accordance with engineering principles.

“Among those most at risk are temporary structures such as tents, canopies, night market stalls, lightweight storage units and additional roofing, as well as lightweight objects such as old zinc sheets, loose signage, plastic, small wooden items and outdoor household equipment that can come loose and turn into dangerous debris,” he said in a statement to Bernama today.

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Noram Irwan, who is Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology dean, said poorly maintained old buildings, as well as large trees that are decayed or weak, were also identified as major risks as they could collapse, crush vehicles and obstruct roads.

However, he said brick houses, terrace houses and concrete buildings with proper roof connections and adequate load-bearing walls were at low risk of damage.

Commenting on the level of preparedness among the public, he said Malaysia rarely faces tropical storms, resulting in lower exposure and readiness compared with neighbouring countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, which deal with such occurrences annually.

“In this situation, preparedness is more important than the wind strength itself. This phenomenon is not a major disaster in terms of wind, but its effects can be serious if temporary structures, lightweight objects and surrounding areas are not secured,” he said.

As such, he advised that all temporary structures be taken down, lightweight objects be stored or tightly secured, night markets postponed and areas with weak large trees avoided.

“With proper preparation, risks can be minimised and the situation can be handled more safely,” he said.

Yesterday, Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the tropical storm was detected entering the Straits of Melaka waters at 3.30 pm and is expected to bring continuous heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas in Selangor, Perak and parts of Pahang

-- BERNAMA