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Heavy rain since 3am today caused over 50 areas in Penang to be hit by flash floods resulting in uprooted trees and landslides, five days after the state was hit by severe flooding.

The affected areas in Seberang Perai include Jalan Bukit Tengah, Taman Mutiara; Jalan Tembikai; Bukit Mertajam; Taman Usaha, Lorong Usahajaya; Taman Senangin; Taman Nibong Tebal; Jalan Bukit Teh; Kampung Baru Sungai Bakap; Kampung Sethu; Lorong Janggus; and Taman Sukun.

Areas on the island hit by the flash floods were Balik Pulau, Gertak Sanggul, Teluk Kumbar, Sungai Batu, Bayan Baru, Paya Terubong, Air Itam, and Bayan Lepas.

The flash floods caused the water level to rise between 0.7 metres to 1.6 meters and inundated more than 100 houses.

Penang Civil Defence Movement director Pang Ah Lek said 108 victims from 34 families were evacuated to the relief centre at Dewan Masyarakat Teluk Kumbar.

"We are monitoring the areas hit by flash floods to ensure that no victims are trapped and can be evacuated immediately when their homes are flooded," he said when contacted, in George Town today.

The meteorological department forecasted continuous rain and high tide which will peak at 12 noon.

Barat Daya District police chief Supt A Anbalagan said landslides and uprooted trees in Jalan Tun Sardon-Bukit Bukit Baru, Paya Terubong had blocked the main road leading to Balik Pulau and George Town.

“The road had to be closed to allow the firefighters, workers from the Public Works Department and the Penang City Council to clear the debris and uprooted trees.

“Clearing works were expected to be completed by 5pm and road users can use Jalan Bayan-Teluk Kumbar Balik Pulau or Jalan Teluk Bahang-Batu Feringghi-George Town," he added.

Meanwhile, state local government, traffic management, and flood mitigation committee chairperson, Chow Kon Yeow said the water level in Sungai Pinang was over 2.9 metres, above the danger level.

He said the seawater showed tidal volatility and moderate rain would overflow the river banks.

- Bernama

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