Wind-resistant plants: assessing the efficacy of vegetation in Kampung Wai, Kuala Perlis

Storms often cause trees to topple and uproot, resulting in damage to the settlement's infrastructure. During periods of intense rainfall, the water content of the soil at shallow depths is typically high, which reduces the anchoring resistance of tree roots in the soil. The root systems of plants play an important role in anchoring against strong winds during the windy season. The aim of this study is to identify the types of plants that have high wind resistance and to observe the effectiveness of wind-resistant plants in the settlement area of Kampung Wai, Perlis. Kampung Wai, a coastal village surrounded by paddy fields in Kuala Perlis, was chosen as the study area. Due to its coastal location, it is very likely to be exposed to varying wind conditions, making it an ideal place to study how windresistant vegetation can reduce potential damage from strong winds. The efficiency of wind resistant plants was investigated to determine the types and effectiveness of wind resistant plants in blocking the wind during the windy season to safeguard the settlement area from the threat of severe winds. A qualitative multi-method approach comprised of field observations, wind speed measurements and random interviews with the villagers was used in this study. This study conclusively demonstrates that the strategic use of wind-resistant plants—such as Tamarindus indica and Cocos nucifera—in settlement areas significantly reduces the impact of strong winds. By acting as natural barriers, these species effectively mitigate storm damage, as evidenced by the lower wind velocities measured in the safe zone compared to the affected area. Future studies should focus on the arrangement and selection of these plants to improve wind protection and storm preparedness.