CLEAN-UP efforts in the aftermath of Penang’s worst flood disaster in 30 years are nearing completion, with local authorities saying that life for the tens of thousands of people who were forced out of their flooded homes can hopefully return to normal by this weekend.

More than 12,500 people were displaced after their homes were inundated with flash floods earlier this month, and forced to live in temporary shelters while waiting for water levels to recede and for cleanup work to begin.

State local government and flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the cleanup exercise was about 70% completed, and should be wrapped up within the week as there were only a few more locations with debris and fallen trees to clear.

For mainland Seberang Prai, there was still around 30% to clean. 

“We will make sure that within a weeks’ time, we will get the cleanliness level back to normal,” Chow said at a press conference today at the state legislative assembly building. 

Penang went into cleanup mode last weekend as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP), along with over 10,000 volunteers from across the country, worked together to pick up the pieces after the floods. 

Chow said between November 5 and yesterday, 9,389 tonnes of waste were cleared from the streets.

“The major challenge now is moving the waste from the temporary disposal sites to the landfill, monitoring the local community’s hygiene to avoid communicable diseases from spreading and removing any disturbances faced by residents,” he said.

MBPP Mayor Maimunah Sharif said 127 locations on the island had been hit by floods, and only Zoo Road, Zoo Lane, Taman Nibong, Jalan Ulong and Jalan Lintang had yet to be cleared. 

“We will need two more days to clear the four areas,” she said. 

She also said 118 locations with fallen trees were reported and all, except for three along Jalan Irrawaddy Road, Jalan Batu Gantung and the Taman Sri Pinang flats, had been cleared.

Those who need help from the city council for cleaning works can call MBPP’s flood hotline at 013-5696939 or the MBPP hotline at 04-2637000 or 04-2637637.

In Seberang Prai, 86 villages and 46 residential areas were hit by the floods, said MPSP president Rozali Mohamud.

A total of 11,745 evacuees across three districts were placed in 79 relief centres. The last relief centre was closed at 5pm last Saturday. – November 13, 2017.