Island hit by worst floods in 10 years
GEORGE TOWN: Disgruntled Penangites affected by flash floods that crippled Penang yesterday are demanding that the state government come up with longterm solutions for the problem.
They said they were puzzled as to why the flash floods were occuring again, with yesterday’s incident being the second this year.
The Penang government had promised to solve the problem through flood mitigation projects.
Zubaida Beve Syed Ahamad, 60, from Persiaran Perak, said this was the second time floodwaters entered her house this year.
She said her house was situated on higher ground compared with other areas and should not have been affected.
“It is one of the worst floods ever. It does not make sense that this rain triggered such massive flash floods.
“I have experienced worse rainy days, but only a few areas were affected.
“They (the state government) promised us a flood mitigation project. Where is it? Why have they not started it yet? Will there be any permanent solution to our woes?”
Zainal Hasni Azizan Taib, 43, from Jalan P. Ramlee, said he was happy when told that a flood mitigation project was underway, but after a year since the announcement, there was no result.
“Are we expected to wait another three years before we see any result?
“It looks like the state government’s announcement is mere lip service. Who knows? Even after three years, they may keep on delaying it.”
A continuous downpour since 10pm on Thursday triggered flash floods in low-lying areas, with waters rising up to chestlevel in some areas.
The floodwaters entered houses here at 4am, and the continuous rain aggravated the situation, leaving residents scrambling for higher ground.
Thirteen senior citizens, four of whom are bedridden, from the Gan En Zhi Jia old folks home were also affected by the floods.
Volunteers relocated them to the Caunter Hall Tua Pek Kong temple about 200m away.