Flash floods hit 20 homes in Butterworth, inundate Seberang Jaya roads

BUTTERWORTH: Flash floods affected about 20 homes in Butterworth and inundated roads in Seberang Jaya early today following heavy rain and rising water levels in drains.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director John Sagun Francis said floodwaters in Taman Cantek reached about one foot (0.3m), affecting an estimated 20 houses.

He said firefighters received an emergency call at 12.24am.

"Five personnel from the Butterworth fire and rescue station monitored the situation and found that the floodwaters were gradually receding.

"The operation ended at 1.10am, with no rescue activities required," he said.

He said a similar incident was reported at Jalan Jelawat in Seberang Jaya, where continuous heavy rain and rising water levels in nearby drains caused flooding along the road and in surrounding residential areas.

He said firefighters responded after receiving a call at 3.24am.

The team monitored the affected area and found that the water was gradually receding before ending the operation at 3.51am.

No rescue activities were required.

In a separate incident, a durian tree estimated to be 6m tall fell onto part of a house and a Perodua Kelisa at Jalan Pantai Acheh, Kampung Batu Putih, Balik Pulau.

The driver, a 50-year-old man, escaped unharmed.

Eight personnel from the Balik Pulau fire and rescue station carried out cutting and clearing works with assistance from the Penang Island City Council.

The department received the call at 12.51am and arrived at 12.58am.

The operation ended at 2.43am after firefighters ensured there were no further hazards.