Deluge in Penang: Rescue operations in full swing

Vehicles submerged in floodwater in Jalan Padang Lalang, Bukit Mertajam.

THE underpass below the Seberang Jaya roundabout near Butterworth became impassable to traffic after it was completely flooded in a 14-hour storm.

Engineer T.H. Lim, 39, who lives in Permatang Pauh, drove past the underpass which was filled to the brim with water.

“My five-year-old daughter remarked that the underpass looked like a swimming pool. This is not the first time the underpass has been flooded.

“In 2013, its 200m stretch was flooded following a five-hour downpour.

“In 1999, the underpass had to be closed as it became flooded in about 9m of water.”

It was reported the underpass would flood easily because it was situated below the level of Prai river.

A dronepic showing some of the badly hit areas in Penang, including Jalan P. Ramlee in Datuk Keramat.

 

Cars struggling through the flooded roads on the mainland also had to put up with the hazard posed by dozens of uprooted trees lying in their paths.

Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department head Senior Asst Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Anil Shah said 2,588 victims were evacuated on the mainland, with 1,400 receiving shelter at SK Bertam Indah.

“Our officers on leave were called back to assist the victims and 70 policemen were deployed to flood-affected areas.”

Bukit Mertajam OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said more than 15 areas were affected by the floods, namely Permatang Rawa, Padang Lalang, Kampung Telok, Sungai Rambai, Kubang Semang, Bukit Teh, Kampung Jawa, Kampung Setul and Kampung Manis.

Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim said that after a pump house was built more than 10 years ago, areas such as Lebuh Nangka, Jalan Padang Lalang and Taman Sungai Rambai had been flood-free — until now.

“The pump house near Sungai Rambai was working at that time but the surrounding areas still became flooded as the pump was unable to handle the deluge of water.”

The underpass of the Seberang Jaya roundabout completely filled with floodwater.

 

Roads in Taman Desa Damai were also flooded, leaving numerous cars stranded.

Pulau Betong assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Farid Saad said that in Balik Pulau on the island, 276 people were evacuated to flood relief centres at SK Sungai Korok, SK Sungai Pinang, SK Pulau Betong and SK Tan Sri Awang Had Salleh.

In Kedah, Kuala Muda District Management Committee secretariat coordinator Kapt (PA) Azahar Ahmad said 1,906 people were placed at 34 flood relief centres in Kuala Muda, Yan and Kulim, Baling and Bandar Baharu.

Meanwhile, Penang Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the flash floods happened following extraordinary rain and high tide at 2.7m at 1pm on Saturday.

He also admitted that the existing drainage system and rivers could not cope with the huge volume of water, adding that utility cables along with domestic and industrial waste had clogged the waterways.

Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif said 75 reports of trees being uprooted were received as of noon yesterday, adding that fallen trees in 40 places had been cleared so far.

A filepic of the same underpass flooded after a downpour in June 2013.

 

“We will give priority to clearing trees and branches which are blocking roads.

“Landslides were reported on eight roads on Penang island with 16 reported in Jalan Tun Sardon alone,” she said.

Maimunah said the council would also help clean up affected schools so students could take their SPM and STPM in a conducive environment.

State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, who is also flood operation director, said over 1,200 personnel from various government agencies were deployed to help the victims and clean up the mess caused by the floods.

Penang Barisan Nasional chairman Teng Chang Yeow described the flood as the biggest disaster since the 2004 tsunami.

“I’ve spoken with Penang Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Zainol Abidin Osman to set up a task force for a comprehensive flood mitigation and drainage master plan.

Firemen trying to remove a fallen tree at Jalan Batu Ferringhi.

 

“A review of the standard operating procedures for flood relief efforts of the government must also be done in view of changing weather patterns and availability of new communication technology,” he said in a statement.

Teng said Penang Barisan would form a special team to gather feedback from all districts and community bodies on ways to improve flood mitigation action.

Consul-General of Japan in Penang Kiyoshi Itoi said he was deeply saddened by the massive flooding.

“I express my solidarity with the Penang government and its people in this difficult time. We stand by you,” he said in a statement.

Uber Malaysia said it had temporarily suspended a surge in pricing and cancellation fees to aid riders who need transportation out of flooded areas.

“There will also be limited driver-partner on the app as the drivers are also affected by the floods,” a spokesman said.

Mechanic Khairuddin Yusoff, 33, checking out a customer’s car in the flood at Lintang P. Ramlee, George Town.

 

Rapid Penang’s routes 10, 101, 102, 104, 206, 501 and 502 as well as route 707 on the mainland, which connects Bukit Mertajam and Taman Pelangi, were also affected. For details, log in to the ‘rapidpgfans’ Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Penang DAP launched the Penang Storm and Flood Relief Fund to collectdonations for victims.

Its secretary Lim Hui Ying said the party decided to launch the fund as it had received a lot of sympathy for the victims and enquiries to help them.

She said the donation drive would be held from today to Nov 15, after which the funds received would be handed over to the state government.

Those wishing to donate could contribute cash or make cheques payable to Penang DAP at No.3, Jalan Rangoon, or bank-in the money to: DAP Penang Maybank account No. 5070-1301-4596.

A pile of rubbish accumulating in one of the affected flood areas.