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Penang island storm triggers flash floods, traffic chaos

GEORGETOWN: A heavy, one-hour downpour triggered flash floods in several areas of the island this morning.

The storm, which began at around 11.30am, overwhelmed the city’s drains and caused the Sungai Pinang to fill up and overflow onto nearby roads.

Amongst the worst-affected areas were Jalan P Ramlee, Jalan Langkawi, Jalan Pahang and Island Glade at Green Lane.

Vehicle owners were seen scrambling to move their vehicles to higher ground to avoid them being submerged by rising waters.

Several roads became impassable.

Some residents were seen hastily moving out of flooded areas, but there has been no official announcement of relief centres being opened.

The rain has stopped, and water is slowly subsiding in some areas.

Tan Keng Hoi, 45, said he was driving home after enjoying brunch with friends.

"I saw that the traffic was unusually heavy (in the area), but I did not know why until I reached Jalan Yeap Chor Ee.

“My car (stalled) because the water level was too high," he said.

Tan said several motorists helped him push his car to the roadside, where he waited for a tow truck to arrive.

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