GEORGETOWN: The state government is in discussions with the federal government on whether to declare a state of emergency in Penang due to severe and widespread flooding.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there is no immediate need to declare a state of emergency as the current situation is still under control, with assistance from the federal government.
“We will only declare a state of emergency (based on) advice and discussions with the federal government,” he said at a press conference here on Sunday.
A continuous downpour lasting 17 hours, coupled with gale-force winds since noon on Saturday, have paralysed George Town and Seberang Prai.
The severely inclement weather has also triggered landslides, uprooted many trees, and made flooded roads impassable, causing unusually heavy traffic.
Lim said the higher-than-average rainfall and Typhoon Damrey, which is currently lashing Vietnam, are the main causes of the state’s flooding misery.
“Some areas received 372mm of rainfall, besides (strong winds from Typhoon Damrey).
“The Meteorological Department has also issued a red alert of heavy rain in Penang and Kedah,” he added.
Translated from Berita Harian