Penang floods cause nearly 2,000 evacuees

A total 1,968 flood victims have been evacuated due to the massive floods that hit Penang beginning last night, Malay Mail reported.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who also heads the Floods Operations Centre, said a total 1,125 victims were evacuated in Central Seberang Perai, 615 from North Seberang Perai, 70 from the Northeast district on the island and 158 from the Southwest district on the island.

Speaking on a live video in his Facebook page at about 8am today, Lim said the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (JPAM) has already sent help to assist victims at the northeast district on the island.

“We are still waiting for more help from JPAM to assist victims stranded in Seberang Perai. JPAM personnel from Sungai Petani will be arriving to lend their assistance there soon so we hope everyone remain calm as help is on the way,” he said.

Sungai Petani is a district in Kedah state.

Lim said the rains have stopped temporarily and the flood situation has improved slightly but in some areas, the flood waters have not receded.

“The wind is still strong, we are worried about any more unwanted incidents and that the heavy rain will continue,” he said.

He said the strong winds coupled with the torrential rains last night were highly unexpected and that the state did not have enough resources to assist all affected.

“The situation has exceeded our resources and I want to thank the police, the fire and rescue department, JPAM and all rescue workers for working through the night to help those affected,” he said.

Read more at http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/penang-floods-cause-nearly-2000-evacuees#ItZVtZzJuWkiTy56.99