Bracing for impact: A Penang Island City Council worker packing sandbags into the slats between the concrete blocks at the Esplanade in George Town to fortify against the rising waters. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: With the high-tide phenomenon set to hit Penang from tomorrow, precautionary measures have been taken to limit the damage it can cause.
At the Esplanade, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) workers were seen placing sandbags between the concrete blocks of the seawall. One worker said it was meant to prevent seawater from breaching onto land during the phenomenon which is expected to last until Monday.
Northerners have reason to be worried. During the storms from Sept 17 to 21, many roadside trees fell on cars and houses and 202 families comprising 760 members were affected.
A devastating combination of strong winds and unusually high tides led to waves crashing against the seawall at the Medan Renong food court at the Esplanade, forcing customers to flee.
Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said that rainfall, wind gusts, water levels and landslide-prone areas would be closely monitored during this period.
“A total of 116 staff of the MBPP’s response team will be on standby to clear drains and garbage traps. The council’s ‘squad pantas’ with 219 personnel and 20 vehicles will also operate round the clock,” he said.
On the mainland, H’ng said the Seberang Perai City Council is monitoring its 27 pump houses round the clock, with 94 personnel on duty three shifts daily.
