Malaysia – Hundreds Evacuated After Floods in Penang and Kedah

by in Asia, News

Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) report that flooding in two districts of Kedah state has displaced 441 people.

The floods occurred on 18 July 2016 in the districts of Yan and Baling. The displaced have been housed in 3 relief centres set up by NADMA.

Parts of Penang were also flooded yesterday, 18 July, including the small town of Teluk Bahang in the north, and also areas in the south of of Penang Island around Penang International Airport, including Relau, Batu Maung, Teluk Kumbar and Bayan Lepas.

According to Malaysian Meteorological Department, in a 24 hour period between 18 and 19 July, 2016, Bayan Lepas recorded 201 mm of rain.

However, Teluk Bahang was one of the worst hit areas, where a combination of heavy rain, overflowing rivers and high tide left streets and homes in the town in flood water up to 50 cm deep.

Around 30 people have been evacuated from their homes in Teluk Bahang and are staying in relief centres. Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya visited the affected areas earlier today. Speaking to journalists, he blamed the flooding in Teluk Bahang was due to the poor drainage system at Sungai Teluk Bahang.

Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya visited the affected areas. Photo: Office of Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya
Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya visited the affected areas. Photo: Office of Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya
Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya visited the affected areas. Photo: Office of Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya
Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya visited relief centres housing displaced families the affected areas of Penang. Photo: Office of Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya

Meanwhile in the south of Penang Island, some flights were delayed after a heavy downpour flooded areas around the airport. Some reports claim flood water entered the terminal building.

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Flood Summary

Last updated: July 21, 2016
Event
Penang and Kedah, Malaysia, July 2016
Date
July 18 to July 19, 2016
Type
Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall
Parts of Penang and Kedah in Malaysia were flooded after 200 mm of rain fell in some areas.

Locations

A - Yan
B - Baling
C - Teluk Bahang
D - Penang International Airport

Magnitude

Rainfall level
201 mm in 24 hours
Bayan Lepas - July 18 to July 19, 2016

Damages

Evacuated
441 people
Kedah - July 18 to July 19, 2016
Evacuated
30 people
Penang - July 18 to July 19, 2016

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