Source: Facebook

Flash floods were reported in 34 areas of mainland Penang, especially in housing estates, after heavy rain since 5pm. Three general election candidates have suspended campaign activities.

Photographs posted by social media users showed streets and driveways awash in about 30cm of water, while flood water entered some houses.

Police said a temporary evacuation centre was opened at the True Light Chinese primary school in Juru Village at 9pm to accommodate flood victims.

“Currently the authorities involved are moving the flood victims involved to the PPS and the actual number of those who have been moved is yet to be known,” he said when contacted by Bernama tonight.

The areas around Seberang Perai Tengah affected by the flash floods are Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Machang Bubok, Desa Damai and Taman Impian.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said at least 23 areas, especially housing estates around Bukit Mertajam, were inundated.

The affected areas include Taman Tenang Berapit, Taman Seri Janggus Machang Bubok, Desa Damai, Kampung Baru Alma, Taman Impian, Taman Sukun, Taman Mango, Taman Sentul Kampung Dock and Taman Sejahtera.

Affected areas of Seberang Perai Selatan included Valdor Farm, Pekaka Park and Jawi.

Phee said the state government and the authorities were monitoring the situation and follow-up action would be taken if the rain continued into the night. “There is concern that the floods will get worse,” he said.
The Machang Bubok weather station recorded 102mm of rain at 5.30 pm, almost double of what is considered heavy rain.

Steven Sim, the PH candidate for Bukit Mertajam, who was away helping the campaign in Johor, said he would be returning to his constituency. He said state assemblymen in Seberang Perai have been going down to the ground.

Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Yang Pang said he suspended all campaign activities from 5pm. “We have been on the ground helping the people there. The former MP is busy campaigning in Johor,” he said.

Perikatan Nasional candidate Steven Koh said he had called off his ceramah this evening and was now helping victims in Bukit Teh.

Source: FreeMalaysiaToday.com