BUTTERWORTH: A continuous heavy downpour lasting 17 hours and heavy winds since noon on Saturday have paralysed Georgetown and Seberang Prai, in addition to triggering landslides and uprooting trees, as well as creating unusually heavy traffic due to impassable roads.
Jalan Tun Sardon, which links Paya Terubong and Balik Pulau, was closed due to a landslide. Minor landslides were also reported in Minden Heights, Hong Seng Estate and Paya Terubong.
Among the worst affected areas in the state capital are Kampung Masjid, Jalan P Ramlee, Sungai Pinang, Jalan Kebun Lama, Lebuh Carnovan, Jalan Anson and Halaman Bukit Gambir.
According to a report from the Northeast District Drainage and Irrigation Department, the downpour has caused the waters of Sungai Pinang, Sungai Air Itam and Sungai Dondang to touch the danger level at 2.83 metres, 6.58 metres and 21.88 metres, respectively.
Among the affected areas in Seberang Perai are Taman Siakap, Permatang Rawa, Taman Senangin, Padang Lalang, Mak Mandin and several locations in Penanti.
A Penang Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said more flood relief centres were opened since midnight to accommodate those affected by the floodwaters.
They include Mengkuang Titi, Lubok Meriam, Sekolah Agama Masjid Mengkuang Semarak, Dewan Orang Ramai Kampung Kota, Dewan Pengkalan Tambang, Dewan Banjir Guar Perahu, Sekolah Kafa Kubang Semang, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Penanti and Surau Kampung Tok Subuh.
“Flood relief centres have also been opened in SK Sungai Pinang and SMK Teluk Kumbar 1. We estimate some 500 people have been evacuated,” he said, adding that victims are still being evacuated to the various relief centres.
A Meteorological Department spokesman said the rains are expected to continue lashing northern states until Sunday.
The flood this time is seemingly worse than the major floods on Sept 15.
Translated from Berita Harian