16 rescued from Nibong Tebal flash floods, car damaged by fallen tree

NIBONG TEBAL: Continuous heavy rain triggered flash floods overnight, trapping 16 residents from three families in Kampung Sethu, Sungai Bakap, early today.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director John Sagun Francis said firefighters were deployed to the scene following a distress call received at 12.40am.

"Upon arrival, rescuers found several houses submerged under about three feet (0.9m) of floodwaters following persistent downpours.

"Firefighters wearing full personal protective equipment conducted rescue operations using a fibreglass boat to safely evacuate 10 adults and six children.

"The victims were handed over to their relatives who were present at the scene," he said.

He said the floodwaters gradually receded and the operation ended at 2.30am after the area was declared safe.

At 10.32pm yesterday, firefighters were also dispatched to monitor flash flooding at Lorong Jawi Jaya 1, Taman Jawi Jaya, after water levels rose to about 0.3m due to heavy rain and an overflowing nearby river.

No evacuations were required during the incident.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident at 1.10am today, a tree fell onto a residential garage at Kampung Changkat, Sungai Jawi, damaging a parked Perodua Bezza.

John said eight firefighters from the Nibong Tebal fire station were deployed to clear the debris.

"The team carried out cutting and clearing works on the fallen tree.

"No injuries were reported, and the site was handed over to the homeowner after the area was declared safe at 3.35am," he said.