GEORGE TOWN: Penang authorities have advised residents to remain alert for flash floods and landslides following overnight rain and high tides.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Malaysian Meteorological Department had forecast rain from Oct 24 to 26.
"With continuous heavy rain and high tide levels, flash floods will occur. We advise everyone to be on alert.
"Slopes are particularly vulnerable after prolonged heavy rain as the soil could loosen, increasing the risk of landslides," he said.
He said agencies, including the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Public Works Department (PWD), would remain on alert.
This follows the death of a 73-year-old man in a landslide behind his house in Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, today.
Meanwhile, state Local Government Committee chairman Jason H'ng said several areas across Penang reported fallen trees following the overnight downpour.
The affected locations included Lorong Gangsa, Lebuh Bukit Jambul, Lebuh Halia 1, Jalan Mayang Pasir near Bayan Baru market, Lintang Bukit Jambul, the Macallum open field, Taman Sri Nibong, Lengkok Hijau, Gertak Sanggul, Jalan Paya Terubong, the Road Transport Department office in Batu Uban and Golden Triangle 2.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution, particularly on hilly roads where fallen trees, slippery surfaces and unstable slopes could pose hazards.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said 14 incidents involving fallen trees and broken branches had been reported, comprising 13 fallen trees and one broken branch.
Heavy rain and high tides also caused flooding and water accumulation at 10 locations across the island's northeast and southwest districts.
Rajendran said rainfall recorded between 1am and 11am reached 117mm at the Kolam Bersih station and 97.5mm at the Kolam Air Itam station.
Flooding in the northeast district was attributed to prolonged heavy rain, high tides and the overflowing of Sungai Pinang, while low-lying terrain contributed to flooding in the southwest district.
The affected locations in the northeast included Lintang P. Ramlee, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Kampung Relau, Jalan Patani, Lilitan Stadium, Kampung Masjid Hashim Yahya and Lorong Kulit, where water levels reached about 50cm.
In the southwest district, flooding was reported at Kampung Sulup, Kampung Masjid and Kampung Paya, with water levels reaching about 30cm.
Immediate measures included clearing drainage systems in affected areas, while the long-term solution involved the Drainage and Irrigation Department's Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project.
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