Floods & Landslides hits Penang again..  

Posted by Rabbit

Adapted from The Star Online
GEORGETOWN: Thousands of motorists were caught in massive traffic jams Tuesday morning, when flash floods and mudslides hit Penang for the second time this month.

Flood-prone areas in the state, including the inner city, Jalan P. Ramlee, Balik Pulau, Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru, Seberang Prai and Butterworth were the worst hit.

According to Central Seberang Prai police media relations officer Supt Shaharon Anuar Abdul Latif, Sungai Dua in Butterworth had overflowed its banks following heavy rains since Monday.

“On the island, the water level in Jalan P. Ramlee was waist-high about 7am. The alert level for the nearby Sungai Pinang is 2.6m but the current water level is 3m.

"Several vehicles were stuck because the roads were flooded,” he said, adding that police personnel have been placed on high alert.

He said among the other affected areas were Air Putih and Taman Manggis in Balik Pulau where the water rose to about 0.3m high.

“So far, three landslides have been reported along Jalan Tun Sardon. The road links Paya Terubong and Balik Pulau.

“The road from Teluk Kumbar to Balik Pulau has been closed,” he said.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Syed Amerruddin Datuk Syed Ahmad said five villages - Kampung Nelayan, Kampung Mesjid, Kampung Padang, Kampung Bukit, Kampung Seronok and Kampung Binjai - were badly affected.

He said food and emergency aid was being distributed to the villages but “unfortunately Hari Raya preparations for many families have been ruined.”

Syed Amerruddin said he was worried about the noon high tide as the villages were located near the sea.

According to a state Meteorological Department spokesperson, the intermittent heavy rain should clear by Wednesday.

“The heavy shower started at about 10pm on Monday night, causing the flash floods.

"Everything is still under control but we are observing the situation closely, especially Jalan P. Ramlee.

“If the rain continues to be heavy we might announce an evacuation,” he said, adding that the rain affected all areas on the island and mainland.

He said the downpour was the “echo” from the tropical storm in Vietnam.
A North-East district operation centre spokesperson said three relief centres were opened at 8am this morning - SK Francis Light, Methodist Boys School and P. Ramlee auditorium .

On Sept 6, flash floods hit various parts of the state and roads from the city centre to Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau were cut off due to landslides and fallen trees. This followed intermittent moderate to heavy rain.

Among the places flooded then were Bayan Baru, Bukit Mertajam, Taman Siakap in Seberang Jaya and parts of the city centre.


Two motorists braved the flood water in Patani Road in Georgetown. - 30 September, 2008


Rain water started to flood the road in Jalan Masjid Negeri at 9.00am Tuesday morning - 30 September, 2008

ROAD-CUM-RIVER...... Mud water gushing from the waterfall located near a new housing project into the main road of Jalan Paya Terubong. - 30 September, 2008

Rescue workers helping people to get out of the floods. - 30 September, 2008

A village submerged in the floods - 30 September, 2008

The waterfall in Paya Terubong caused mud water to flow into the mainroad in the area. - 30 September, 2008

Two staff from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) clearing up rubbish that has blocked the drain at the state mosque in Jalan Masjid Negeri. The water level has reached 2.8m in the morning which has past the alert level of 2.6m. - 30 September, 2008

P.S : Anyway for those of my friends who came all the way from Aimst to Penang, I am quite sorry for not being able to spend time with you all as my car was sent for servicing.. so no transport.. lolx.. hope you all enjoy yourselves very much!!

Take care call and have a good day!!

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