SEVERAL areas in Penang were hit by flash floods today, following five hours of heavy rain and strong winds that began around 2pm.

Water levels rose to between 20cm and 50cm, and numerous trees were uprooted.

Among the affected areas in George Town were Kampung Masjid, Jalan P. Ramlee, Sungai Pinang, Jalan Kebun Lama, Lebuh Carnovan, Jalan Anson and Halaman Bukit Gambir.

Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas, Batu Ferringghi, Balik Pulau and several areas in Seberang Prai were also hit.

The Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) said the water in some rivers had risen to dangerous levels, with Sg Pinang recording 2.83m, Sungai Air Itam (6.58m) and Sungai Dondang (21.88m).

Checks in Jalan P. Ramlee showed that houses there were inundated with waist-level floodwaters.

The flash floods resulted in water levels rising in more than 50 areas, most of which were in Seberang Prai.

They included Permatang Rawa, Taman Bagan, Taman Cantek, Mak Mandin, Jalan Guar Perahu, Jalan Raja Uda, Bukit Mertajam and Taman Nibong Tebal.

DID said clogged drains contributed to the flash floods, which caused traffic congestion in George Town, Bayan Lepas, Bayan Baru, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam and Juru. – Bernama, November 4, 2017.