Flash floods strike Penang, again

This time, it is on a smaller scale, with most of the incidents recorded in Seberang Perai.

GEORGE TOWN: Still reeling from the worst flash floods in its history last week, Penang today experienced heavy rains which threatened to inundate the state again, albeit on a lesser scale.

The rain began pouring down at 3am, with some 15 areas in Seberang Perai experiencing 100mm to 400mm of floodwater.

Authorities advised Penangites to brace for worse to come this afternoon, with high tides expected to flood the banks of Sungai Pinang and many other parts of the island.

In Nibong Tebal, the Sungai Junjung river has reportedly risen to 3.59m, above the 3.1m danger mark.

On the southern tip of Penang Island, the Penang Civil Defence reported that Sungai Ara was badly affected with 108 people from 34 families evacuated.

The victims were placed at the Dewan Masyarakat Teluk Kumbar at 9am.

The heavy rain also brought down many trees on the island, causing massive traffic congestion at major roads.

A landslide at Jalan Tun Sardon leading to Balik Pulau has cut off traffic from the road, with the same reported on Jalan Gertak Sanggul, Bayan Lepas.

Both roads are reportedly open to motorcycles only.

The Penang Island City Council’s landscaping department was on the scene as early as 8am to clear the debris with backhoes. Clearing works are ongoing.

Last week’s floods saw 200 families evacuated to 11 flood relief centres, in what was said to be an after-effect of Typhoon Doksuri. -FMT