PAST WINDSTORM OCCURRENCE TREND, DAMAGE, AND LOSSES IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Windstorm occurrence in several parts of Malaysia, particularly in the northern region, has severely affected humans, causing damage to property as well as fatality. This study aims to investigate the past windstorm occurrence trend, including damage and losses, in Penang districts from 2010 to 2013. Data on windstorm occurrence and on damages and losses from districts were collected from the Land and District office and Social Welfare Department of Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. The monthly windstorm occurrences in the districts were compared. Windstorm likely occurs in during March, May, and November annually. This windstorm occurrence indirectly contributes to the damage and losses in that particular area. Therefore, this phenomenon must not be neglected in Malaysia. The negative effects of this phenomenon become more severe with increasing incidence. Therefore, disaster mitigation efforts should be exerted to reduce the disastrous consequences of windstorm.

Keywords

• natural disaster; windstorm; damage and losses; disaster mitigation
• natural disaster
• windstorm
• damage and losses
• disaster mitigation