Storm Causes Flash Floods and Uproots Trees in Penang

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

18 SEPTEMBER: A severe storm struck Penang early Tuesday, unleashing heavy rainfall and strong winds across the state. The downpour, lasting from 5 AM to 9 AM, caused flash floods in several areas, notably in Permatang Rawa and Bayan Lepas. As a result, roads in these neighborhoods became impassable, leaving residents and motorists stranded. The floods disrupted traffic and affected daily activities, causing delays in transportation and damage to property.

In addition to flooding, the storm uprooted trees, which blocked major roads, particularly in Paya Terubong and Balik Pulau. Fallen trees crushed several vehicles, though, fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. Emergency services worked tirelessly to clear the debris and restore access to the affected areas, while local authorities urged the public to avoid non-essential travel due to the hazardous conditions.

One particularly alarming incident occurred when a tree fell onto a car in Balik Pulau, narrowly missing the driver. In another case, two disabled women were rescued by emergency teams after floodwaters trapped them in their home in Bayan Kechil. These incidents highlight the severity of the storm’s impact on Penang’s infrastructure and community.

Despite the chaos, the situation remained under control, with no immediate need for evacuation centers. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, while clean-up efforts are underway to restore normalcy to affected areas. The public has been advised to remain cautious as the weather conditions improve gradually as stated in The Malaysian Reserve.