60 spots in Penang flooded after two-hour storm

Flood waters rose in Kampung Permatang Rawa, Bukit Meterjam, Penang after a two-hour storm which brought flash floods to 60 areas in the state. (Bernama pic)

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Heavy rain and strong winds lashed several areas in the state this evening causing flash floods and uprooted trees.

The two-hour storm which began at 4pm resulted in the closure of several roads to light traffic when the areas were under about 0.5 metres of water.

State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said about 90mm of rain was recorded in just one hour causing many low lying areas to be inundated.

“At least 52 areas and roads in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) and Seberang Perai Utara were flooded among them were Juru, Mak Mandin, Tanah Liat, Padang Lalang and the North-South Expressway from Sungai Dua to Permatang Pauh.

“The flooded areas were under 0.1 to 0.5 metre of water while Jalan Permatang Tinggi, Jalan Tok Kangar and Jalan Hutan Petai were impassable to light traffic.,” he said here tonight.

Meanwhile, he said more than 10 areas in George Town also suffered flash floods: among the areas were Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Van Pragh, Jalan Terengganu, Lorong Hijau and Kampung Dodol.

“All agencies such as Fire Department, Civil Defence Force, and Welfare Department are on full alert to evacuate victims tonight in the Northeast district,” he said.

Phee said as at 8.30 pm, the number of flood victims at three temporary relief centres (PPS) in Bukit Mertajam stayed at 94 people.

“Several areas in Bukit Mertajam are still raining tonight but not as heavy as the evening and we will monitor for big waves and further heavy rain tonight,” he said.

In Kedah, the number flood victims in Pendang rose to 40 people from 15 families who were relocated at a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Pendang multipurpose hall as at 10 pm tonight.

Pendang District Officer cum District Disaster Chairman Syed Khairol Anuar Syed Abidin said the total increased from 28 victims from nine families in the evening.

“Sungai Pendang overflowed its banks and flooded houses in the nearby villages and residents were evacuated to avoid untoward incidents,” he told Bernama tonight.

He sald all the victims were from the sub-districts of Ayer Puteh, Padang Pusing, Bukit Raya and Guar Kepayang.

In Kulim, 22 victims from six families were transferred to a PPS in Sekolah Kebangsaan Junjung which was opened at 8 pm tonight. - FMT