GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 – Still reeling from the massive Sept 15 floods, several areas in Penang were 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 at around 2pm. Among the affected areas in George Town were 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, the affected areas included 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 water had reached danger levels in Sungai Pinang, Sungai Air Itam and Sungai Dondang. One affected resident, Abdul Karim Abdul, who resides in Jalan P Ramlee said flash floods in the area were frequent as every time there was a heavy downpour, their homes would be flooded.
“We are tired of the flash floods and hope the state government does something to solve our woes here… we were hit by flash floods more than 20 times this year alone. Flash floods have also caused traffic congestion in the vicinity of George Town, Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam and Juru, apart from leading to the closure of several roads. — Bernama
