Heavy Downpour In Penang Causes Flash Floods In Several Areas

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 7 (Bernama) — Heavy rainfall since this morning has triggered flash floods in multiple areas across the state.

The affected areas on the island include Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru, including Jalan Mayang Pasir, Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Kampung Jawa, Lintang Nibong, and Sungai Ara. In Seberang Perai on the mainland, the flood-hit areas are Kepala Batas and Bertam.

Videos and photos uploaded on social media show that the floodwaters have nearly submerged several vehicles.

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According to a state Fire and Rescue Department spokesman, a distress call was received at 2.20 pm, and a team of seven from the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Station was deployed to assist in moving vehicles stranded by flash floods on Lebuh Nipah 2, near SMK Sungai Nibong in Bayan Lepas.

"The flash flood, caused by the heavy downpour, has submerged roads in up to 0.3 metres of water, leaving several cars stranded. There were no casualties. The situation is under control and the water is receding,” he said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, Pantai Jerejak state assemblyman Fahmi Zainol visited the flooded areas around Sunshine Bayan Baru and lodged a report with the Drainage and Irrigation Department. 

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When contacted by Bernama, Fahmi said that during his inspection at 7.30 pm, it was observed that water levels had started receding at Jalan Mahsuri, Jalan Mayang, Sunshine Square, Bukit Jambul, and Jalan Tengah, as well as residential areas in Bayan Lepas. 

He said it is understood that the flash floods might have been triggered by unusually heavy rainfall combined with high sea levels.

Fahmi also highlighted that under the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme, the state government plans to construct a retention pond in Taman Lintang Nibong, located in the Barat Daya district. The project, costing RM5.1 million, is currently in the tender evaluation stage and is expected to commence in November.

"The second initiative is the RM10 million Bayan Baru Phase 2 Flood Mitigation Plan. The project will be presented to the Technical Design Committee for approval of the final design proposal and is expected to commence in January 2025," Fahmi added.

— BERNAMA