Senior citizen narrowly escapes falling ceiling during Chukai hailstorm

 

Abdullah Zawawi Che Yaacob said the incident occurred around 4pm when he and his wife were watching television with their three children in the living room. (Bernama pic)

CHUKAI: 

A senior citizen narrowly escaped being crushed by a collapsing ceiling at his home in Kampung Gong Pauh during a hailstorm in Bandar Chukai near Kemaman, Terengganu yesterday.

Abdullah Zawawi Che Yaacob, 63, said the incident occurred around 4pm when he and his wife, Wan Kharzimi Wan Abdul Manan, 57, were watching television with their three children in the living room.

He said that heavy rain started to fall unexpectedly, followed by strong winds, prompting them to quickly turn off the television and move to another part of the house.

“I glanced out the window and saw what looked like a dense white whirlwind outside.

“Suddenly, I felt dust falling onto me. Fortunately, my wife was able to grab my hand and pull me out of the way just in time before the plaster ceiling collapsed, nearly crushing me,” he said when met at his home in Kampung Gong Pauh today.

Abdullah Zawawi said the incident resulted in an estimated loss of around RM50,000, which included damage to the roof, electrical wiring, pipes, and his car’s windshield, which was shattered by flying debris.

“It all happened in a flash, lasting only a few minutes. However, the damage was extensive, affecting the electrical wiring system, pipes and other items.

“Although some areas of the house remain habitable, we don’t feel safe enough to sleep at home, so we’ve opted to stay at a homestay for the next few days,” he said. - FMT