Penang Fire Department Steps Up Monitoring At 53 Flood Hotspots

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has stepped up monitoring and inspections at 53 identified flood hotspots throughout the state, following an alert-level warning of continuous rain issued until tomorrow.

Its director Mohd Shoki Hamzah said as of 8 pm today, more than 10 identified hotspots have been hit by flood.

Areas affected are the Southwest district, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Utara. Firefighters have relocated flood victims from the three districts to eight temporary relief centres opened since late last night.

“The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an alert-level warning of continuous rain effective until tomorrow, and the department is taking proactive action by intensifying monitoring at hotspot areas.

“This is to ensure swift action can be taken in the event of heavy rain and flooding, and to safeguard residents by relocating them promptly to safe locations,” he told Bernama tonight.

At the same time, Mohd Shoki said today, JBPM received 10 reports of fallen trees in Paya Terubong, Jalan Gertak Sanggul, Balik Pulau, and Nibong Tebal, but no casualties were reported.

He said the fallen trees did not hit any vehicle or claim the life of any victim, as most incidents involved trees along the roadside, with some having fallen across the road.

“Firefighters, together with other authorities, acted quickly by cutting and clearing all fallen trees at the affected locations to ensure smooth traffic flow,” he said.

He said a total of 203 JBPM officers and personnel, along with 31 fire engines, eight ambulances, three lorries, 19 four-wheel-drive vehicles, and 10 Pajero units have been deployed throughout the operation and monitoring efforts.

Meanwhile, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), in a statement said to ensure efficient drainage systems and preparedness for the monsoon season, its Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid has conducted flood preparedness inspections at several hotspots.

Locations inspected include the Taman Sentul pump house, Taman Sentul Jaya, Taman Mangga, and Taman Pinang to ensure all pump systems are in good working order and fully operational.

“To ensure continuous operations, MBSP’s technical personnel are on standby around the clock, while real-time water level monitoring is carried out using the INFLOS system,” MBSP said on its Facebook page tonight.

-- BERNAMA