Penang Floods: It Was The Highest Amount Of Rainfall Recorded In The State's History
The floods have caused a massive damage around the state.
By Sadho Ram — 15 Sep 2017, 06:59 PM
Penang has been hit by severe floods following a heavy rainfall which began last night, 14 September, causing landslides and bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill
According to the Penang Fire and Rescue Department, the flooded areas included Jalan P Ramlee, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Batu Ferringhi and several areas in Seberang Perai.
While the waters started to recede only after 10am today, 15 September, the devastation caused by the heavy rainfall has been enormous as it uprooted several trees and triggered landslides in Medan Fettes and Paya Terubong.
A landslide at the Kayangan Puri Mutiara apartments in Tanjung Bungah buried six cars.
According to Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee's report, Penang recorded the highest amount of rain at 270mm which was measured earlier Friday at Air Itam dam
The overnight downpour produced the highest amount of rainfall ever recorded in Penang's history, which contributed to the floods in several areas in the state.
"The intensity of rain for one month poured within four hours, resulting in the flood we see today," State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow was quoted by NST as saying.
"The damn is also filled up to 91.1 per cent by 12.15pm today compared to 74.6 per cent yesterday. Teluk Bahang dam received 180mm of rain today which is really high."
Flood waters at Jalan P Ramlee reached as high as 1.5 metres, while photos circulating on Facebook showed a hospital ward and a school canteen with ankle-deep waters
The water levels for rivers Sungai Pinang and Sungai Air Itam measured record highs of 3.2 metres and 7.3 metres
Viral photos showing cars stalled and submerged in flood waters along the roads in northeast district of Penang, particularly those near the rivers.
Meanwhile, a woman is believed to have been swept by strong currents after fell into a river and feared drowned
According to a report in The Star Online, the woman, who is said to be a factory worker, was riding home on her motorcycle in Jalan Paya Terubong.
Identified as Noor Afidah Yajunas, firemen are still at the scene looking for her.
"We couldn't do anything because the currents were so powerful. It was a pitiful sight. I saw her raised her arms as the water dragged her away but we couldn't do anything," The Star Online quoted a motorcyclist as saying.