GEORGE TOWN: Disgruntled Penangites, affected by the massive flash floods which severely crippled Penang today, are demanding for long-term solutions from the state government.
Those affected are puzzled as to why the flash floods are recurring, with today's incident being the second time this year.
The state government had promised to solve it through flood mitigation projects throughout the state.
Zubaida Beve Syed Ahamad, 60, from Persiaran Perak, said this was the second time floodwaters entered her house this year.
According to Zubaida, her house is situated on higher ground compared to other areas, and should not be affected by floods.
This, however, was not the case today.
"It really is one of the worst floods ever. It just does not make sense that this rain triggered such massive flash floods. I have experienced even worse rainy days, and only a few areas were affected.
"They (the state government) promised us a flood mitigation project. Where is it? Why have they not started it yet? Will there be any permanent solution to our woes?" a fed up Zubaida asked.
For Zainal Hasni Azizan Taib, 43, from Jalan P, Ramlee, he said he was happy when he was told a flood mitigation project was being worked out.
He, however, fumed today after almost a year since the initial announcement.
"Are we expected to wait another three years before we see any results? It looks like the state government's announcement is mere lip service.
"Who knows? Even after three years, they keep on delaying it," he said when met.
A continuous heavy downpour since 10pm last night triggered flash floods in several low-lying areas, with water rising up chest-high in some parts.
The floodwaters started to enter the houses here at about 4am and the continuous heavy rain further aggravated the situation, leaving the affected residents scrambling for higher ground.
Some 13 senior citizens from the Gan En Zhi Jia old folks home near Jalan Langkawi were also not spared from the flash floods.
Volunteers had to carry them out on plastic chairs to the Caunter Hall Tua Peh Kong temple about 200m away.
About 19 families, consisting 40 people from Teluk Kumbar, were also relocated since early morning to the nearby Dewan Perda in the same neighbourhood.