Flash floods hit Penang again

Still reeling from the Sept 15 massive floods, several areas in Penang are once again inundated by flash floods which reportedly reached up to 0.5 metres and uprooted trees as continuous heavy rain and strong winds lasted more than five hours today.

The incessant rain and winds began battering the areas about 2pm.

Among the affected areas in George Town are Kampung Masjid, Jalan P. Ramlee, Sungai Pinang, Jalan Kebun Lama, Lebuh Carnovan, Jalan Anson, Halaman Bukit Gambira as well as Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas, Batu Feringghi and Balik Pulau.

In Seberang Perai, affected areas include Permatang Rawa; Taman Bagan; Taman Cantek; Mak Mandin; Guar Perahu; Jalan Raja Uda; Jalan Bukit Tengah; Taman Mutiara; Jalan Tembikai; Bukit Mertajam; Taman Usaha; Lorong Usahajaya; Taman Senangin; Taman Nibong Tebal; Jalan Bukit Teh; Kampung Baru Sungai Bakap; Kampung Sethu; Lorong Janggus and Sukun.

Reports from the Timur Laut Drainage and Irrigation Department stated that the water levels have reached danger levels in Sungai Pinang, Sungai Air Itam and Sungai Dondang.

One of the affected residents, Abdul Karim Abdul who resides in Jalan P. Ramlee said the flash floods in the area were just continuous, one after another, as every time there was heavy rain, their homes would be flooded.

"We are tired of the flash floods and hope the state government does something to solve our woes here... in this year so far, we were hit by floods more than 20 times."

Flash floods have also caused traffic congestion in the vicinity of George Town, Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam and Juru, and led to the closure of several roads.

-- BERNAMA