Flash floods in Penang after heavy rainfall

GEORGE TOWN (July 30): Due to heavy rain that fell throughout the night, several areas in Penang have experienced flash floods today.

The Star reported that the areas worst-hit are Jalan Tan Lu Ghee in Taman Free School; Jalan York, George Town and Jalan Ismail Che Mat off Jalan P. Ramlee, leaving some residents trapped in their houses in the morning. 

Rescue efforts by firefighters began after they received a distress call at 3.30am. The victims were four men and two women. 

A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman told the Star that the water had been over one metre high.

"We brought them out and sent them to a temporary shelter at Masjid Hashim Yahya," he said.

Flash floods have also been reported in Bayan Baru, Dhoby Ghaut, Jalan Zoo and Jalan Dato Keramat.

The daily reported that rain stopped falling on the island by 7am.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said in a post on its Facebook page at 8.22am that water was receding at Jalan P. Ramlee. Vehicles were still not allowed to pass.

However, water from Jalan Terengganu had fully receded.