Penang island is facing a massive flash flood as heavy rain continues to hit several low-lying areas such as Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung, Relau and Teluk Bahang including the Penang International Airport.
The airport was also flooded as the water had entered the arrival hall and several inbound and departing flights had been delayed due to the weather condition.
The airport spokesperson said that the areas affected were the public area arrival level, lane 1 curbside, service road air side and turbo prop lounge.
Traffic was also at a standstill as the water had overflowed to the round about that leads to the airport terminal.
Southwest District Police Chief Supt Anuar Omar said that the road was clogged but the situation was under control.
"Despite the heavy rain, no accident had been recorded so far," he said when contacted.
Meanwhile in Teluk Bahang, some 1,000 villagers from three villages had been affected by the flood and as at 6.30pm, 15 families, one disabled person and a one-year-ole child had been placed at the Teluk Bahang City Council Hall.
The State Civil Defence Department had also given a helping hand by dispatching three four-wheel-drive and two ambulances to the flood scene.
Its operation head, Lt Mohd Aizad Abdul Ghani said the department officers would be on stand by until everything was completed.
As of 4.30pm, the water had started to subside as the heavy rain had stopped.
However, locals from Kampung Nelayan, Kampung Teluk Awak and Kampung Desa Marina were worried that the rain would come back as the rainy season had started.
This is the first time Kampung Desa Marina was hit by such a flash flood while for Kampung Nelayan and Teluk Awak it was the third time.
Some 20 cars and 40 motorbikes had been moved out but there were more vehicles trapped inside village.
The Teluk Bahang Fire and Rescue Department said that besides the heavy rain, there was a possibility that the drainage system was outdated, causing the water not to flow smoothly.
State local government, flood mitigation and traffic management committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that heavy rainfall up to 190mm had been recorded at Teluk Bahang Dam and high tide had caused the Teluk Awak river bank to burst, hence triggering the flash flood in Teluk Bahang.
Meanwhile, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah expressed his fear that the flash flood was caused by hill clearing at Bukit Teluk Bahang.
At the same time, in Bayan Lepas, Relau and Batu Maung, more than 100 families had been affected by the flood and the Fire and Rescue Department was still collecting data on how many people were affected.
Bernama
Mon Jul 18 2016
Penang island is facing a massive flash flood as heavy rain continues to hit several low-lying areas such as Bayan Lepas, Batu Maung, Relau and Teluk Bahang including the Penang International Airport. -Bernama
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.