GEORGE TOWN: Torrential rain in the evening yesterday triggered flash floods across Penang and caused traffic snarls.

Among areas affected were, Jalan P. Ramlee, Sungai Ara, Relau, Bukit Jambul , Bayan Baru, Bandar Baru Air Itam, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Sungai Nibong, Paya Terubong and Sungai Dua.

Motorists were stuck along affected roads while a river burst its banks causing a massive outflow of water into low lying areas.

Checks by theSun found a row of shophouses in Bayan Baru inundated with flood waters.

One of the shopkeepers who declined be named, told theSun that water had flowed into his car assesories shop while his workers were busy cleaning up the affected place.

State Local Government, Traffic and Flood Mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, said the downpour started at around 7pm.

"I would like to advice everyone to brace for flash floods," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile a viral video on social media showed water gushing from the top of the ceiling of Queensbay Mall, into the food court.

The mall said that, the surrounding drains in these areas were not able to cope with the load which led to water from the internal gutter seeping into the building.

It added a team had been immediately despatched to the affected area after water started to seep into the building and the area was cleaned in less than an hour.

"Our team will be on standby and will continue to monitor the situation, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused," the statement read.

Water along Jalan Masjid Negri, Bayan Baru, Relau and Paya Terubong, was receding by 11pm last night.

A check at Meterological Department's website showed Penang is due to continue to experience strong winds, thunderstorm and heavy rain this morning.







