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Strong winds, heavy rain cause ceiling at Kuching airport to collapse

Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a weather warning for several states, including Sarawak, on Tuesday (Aug 25)
Strong winds, heavy rain cause ceiling at Kuching airport to collapse
Parts of the external ceiling panel at Kuching International Airport collapsed amid strong winds and heavy rain that hit Sarawak on Tuesday (Aug 25).
PHOTO: Instagram/Brian Lee

Heavy rain and strong winds damaged a part of the external ceiling panel at Kuching International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday (Aug 25).

Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) said in a statement that the affected area has been secured, adding that its teams are on site to conduct safety inspections and coordinate the necessary follow-up.

@asiaone The airport operator said: "Airport operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on ensuring safe access to the terminal and minimising inconvenience to passengers." #malaysianews #malaysia #weather #airport ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

"Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of passengers, airport users and staff," MAHB said.

Videos and photographs of the incident circulating on social media show a section of the panel collapsed onto the driveway.

Cordon tapes are seen around the affected area to restrict access and demarcate the safe access area for motorists and airport users.

Malaysia Airports Holdings dispatched teams to Kuching International Airport to conduct safety inspections and coordinate the necessary follow-up.

Workers are also seen gathering debris and stacking them in a marked area.

Airport operations were not affected by the external damage, MAHB said.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department had put out a warning at 9.40am on Tuesday to warn that thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected in several states, including Sarawak — where KIA is located.

The warning, which initially expired at 1pm, was later extended four times, till 9pm.

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editor@asiaone.com 

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