FLASH FLOODS: Rescue workers using a boat to move people trapped in flooded area. — Bernama photo
GEORGE TOWN: Heavy rain for five hours from 3.30am yesterday caused flash floods in the city, leading to massive traffic congestion and rescue workers having to rush a boat to move trapped people in an area.
North East District Department of Civil Defence disaster and operations officer Maxwell Panchai said the floods affected mainly Jalan P. Ramlee; Jalan Perak; Jalan Masjid Negeri; Jalan Makloom, Kampung Makam; Jalan Sungai Pinang; Jalan Anson and Jalan Patani.
He said there had been no evacuation so far but floodwaters had risen as high as 1.76 metres in some areas and had affected about 300 people.
Maxwell said 30 rescue workers rushed two lorries and a boat to impassable roads to help people get onto the main road.
A resident along Jalan P. Ramlee, Norjan Mohd Sabdin, 55, said the floods brought sludge into her house up to waist level.
“The weather had been bad since yesterday evening. Fortunately, we moved our belongings to higher ground. The floodwaters rose up to waist level. They have receded a little now,” she said. — Bernama