The Malaysian Insight

THE Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for several states, including Penang, with rainfall and strong winds expected to continue today.

The other affected states are Kedah, Perlis and Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang & Selama, Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar districts).

The department issues warning in three categories: yellow, orange and red.

Yellow-level weather alerts are for weather conditions that do not pose an immediate threat to the   population.

The issue of an orange-level weather warning implies that all recipients in the affected areas should prepare for the anticipated conditions.

The red-level severe weather warnings mean moving out of the danger zone.

Director-general of the Meteorological Department Alui Bahari said yesterday’s heavy rainfall was not the result of Typhoon Damrey that hit Vietnam, which killed at least 19 people.

“We are not directly impacted by Typhoon Damrey, it was because of low pressure that was formed over our northern area. There was some disturbance. 

“But we expect the situation to improve tomorrow,” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

Continuous rain and strong winds are also expected in two states – Kelantan and Terengganu.

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

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

Among the affected areas in George Town were Kg Masjid, Jalan P. Ramlee, Sg 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 some rivers rose to dangerous levels, with Sg Pinang recording 2.83m, Sg Air Itam (6.58m) and Sg Dondang (21.88m). – November 5, 2017.