The heavy rain and strong winds around the capital that began at about 5pm yesterday wrought havoc, uprooting trees, snapping off tree branches, tearing signboards and walls of houses.

According to a Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) control room spokesperson, among the areas affected by fallen trees were Jalan Stadium near Stadium Negara, the Malayan Railway Roundabout near the Majestic Hotel, Jalan Maharajalela, Jalan Hang Tuah and the entrance to the Police Headquarters in Bukit Aman.

Incidents of falling tree branches were also reported in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Tun HS Lee and Jalan Tun Razak opposite the Indonesian Embassy, he said when contacted by Bernama last night.

“A falling signboard was reported near the LRT station at Jalan Tun Perak and wall boards torn off at the Loke Yew Flats,” he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police reported incidents of fallen trees along Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields, Jalan Changkat Stadium, Jalan Kuching towards Datuk Onn roundabout and en route to the RHB Bank Building in Jalan Tun Razak.

He said that as of 8pm, all the fallen trees had been removed and this helped to reduce traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Department Kuala Lumpur Control Room reported a vehicle had been crushed by a fallen tree near the Loke Yew Flats.

However, there were no casualities, he said.

In KLANG, heavy rain and strong winds this evening toppled Deepavali tents set up by several traders in Klang’s Little India, causing damage to merchandise including decorative items for the upcoming festival.

Malaysian Indian Textiles and General Stores Association (Mita) secretary Maheswary Ramasamy said the tents could not withstand the inclement weather which hit around 7.30pm.

She said Mita would gather feedback from the traders involved for further action.

- Bernama