Two-hour storm causes havoc in Penang

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Torrential rain coupled with strong winds temporarily crippled the island for about two hours in several areas here late Monday.

A large glass panel at the KTMB train station waiting room in Permatang Rawa here came crashing down when it was hit by a sudden gush of wind at about midnight.

Fortunately, there no injuries were reported as train services had stopped for the day and there were no passengers inside.

Over in Bandar Perda, dozens of canopies at the Ramadan bazaar were toppled by strong winds and trade items such as clothing were strewn around the area and drenched by the rain.

The traffic police headquarters in Jalan Datuk Ooh Chooi Cheng was also submerged in ankle-deep water following the heavy downpour.

Many areas on the mainland were hit by flash floods, with Making Mandin and Kota Permai among the worst affected.

Over on the island, Jalan P. Ramlee was temporarily closed to traffic after part of the road was inundated with water, while voluntary firefighters were called in to remove fallen tree branches on Jalan Paya Terubong.