GEORGE TOWN, Sept 15 ― A heavy downpour from last night caused flash floods at low-lying areas in Penang, particularly those near Sungai Pinang and Sungai Air Itam, from 4am today.

According to a report by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), the water levels for both rivers, Sungai Pinang and Sungai Air Itam, were the highest recorded, recording 3.2m and 7.3m respectively as at 9am.

The rainfall recorded was 198mm at the Sungai Pinang station and 120.5mm at the Air Itam station.

Areas flooded were Kampung Masjid, Kampung Makam, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kampung Mutiara, Jalan Langkawi, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Kampung Masjid Hashim Yahya, Astaka Stadium, Taman Lumba Kuda, Jalan Tun Sardon, Sungai Relau, Halaman Bukit Gambir, Sungai Dua, Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Sungai Gelugor, Jalan Kampung Jawa, Jalan Ismail Hj Mat, Lembah Ria, Lorong Tampin, Kajang Road and Titi Melayu Air Itam.

Most of these areas were flooded between 0.1m and 0.6m, causing massive traffic gridlock at these roads and those leading to it.

Cars could be seen stalled and submerged in flood waters along some of these roads, particularly those nearer to the rivers.

Some hilly roads are also closed due to landslides and uprooted trees blocking the roads.

Over at Medan Fettes, a landslide that uprooted a tree buried six vehicles in sludge and mud but no one was injured in the incident.

Other roads blocked by fallen trees and landslides included Jalan Tun Sardon, Titi Kerawang in Balik Pulau, Lintang Bukit Jambul and the road leading up to Air Itam Dam.

Five landslides were detected along the road leading up to Air Itam Dam and the road is temporarily closed.

As at noon, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) shared CCTV images of certain areas in George Town where floodwaters are receding. These included Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Jalan Magazine, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and parts of Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Masjid Negeri.

As at 11.49am, the Malaysia Meteorological Department issued a notice of continued rainfall in the northern states of Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis until late afternoon.

Thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected to hit Perak, Selangor and Johor until late afternoon today.

MBPP called on motorists to be careful on the road and those who wish to submit reports of uprooted trees, floods and landslides, can call the MBPP Hotline at 04-2637000 or 04-2637637.