Flash floods cause morning madness on Penang island
GEORGE TOWN: Traffic was at a standstill in many parts of the island as an early morning downpour caused flash floods in various locations here, leaving many stuck on the road and late for work.
Factory worker Nellie Chin, 28, was stuck in Jalan Mahsuri for more than two hours yesterday.
“I only managed to reach my office at about 10.20am. Many of my colleagues were also late as they were stuck in traffic jams.
“It was horrible. The traffic was not moving at all as some motorists dared not drive through the floodwaters, fearing that it was deep,” she said.
State infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the two-hour downpour started around 5.50am and the worst-hit was the Bayan Baru area.
“Flood-prone areas such as Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Jalan Datuk Ismail Hashim and Jalan Mayang Pasir were all affected by the downpour which caused the drains to overflow.
“The current drain capacity cannot hold a large amount of water,” he said, adding that the Relau river also burst its banks.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan had to rush to a house in Pintasan Pemancar, Gelugor, which suffered soil movement under it, badly damaging the kitchen.
“Immediate action has been taken, including closing the affected area and a contractor will clear away the debris.
“I have visited the resident’s home and will provide the necessary assistance, including temporary accommodation for the family,” she said.
Meanwhile, the dams on the island have benefited from the recent bout of rain.
As at 4.30pm yesterday, the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams stood at 31.2% and 25.8% respectively.
The water levels at the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams were only 27.6% and 25.2% respectively on Aug 20.
A reading of 29.99% and below indicates a dangerous level; 30% to 59.99% is the warning level while 60% and above is normal.
It was reported on Saturday that thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to occur for an extended period in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak from Sept 2 to 7.
In a statement, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the forecast was based on weather model analyses, which indicate that wind convergence is expected to occur in the northern part of the peninsula during the period.
“In other states, thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds are also expected throughout this week,” it said.
The public is advised to regularly refer to the website www.met.gov.my and MetMalaysia’s official social media channels and to download the myCuaca app for the latest and accurate information.
