Northwest Malaysian state Penang is suffering from a devastating flood, following incessant torrential rainfall since November 4. According to officials, a low-pressure in Penang and parts of Kedah, attracted the storm toward those regions.
The Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng has published a recent report on November 6 (Monday) stating that "The impact of 5/11 storm, the most violent record in PBAPP (Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang) history."
The local authority said that the massive amount of rain from November 4 to 5 triggered the devastating flood in the region.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, came to inspect Penang flood condition on Monday.
On November 5 (Sunday) the chief minister had appealed for help from the military force as people were stranded due to rising flood water in many places. The armed forces rushed to the area and started assisting in the rescue mission.
Latest reports said that about 2,000 people have been evacuated and given shelter in 26 refugee centres in Seberang Perai, which is a narrow hinterland opposite to Penang Island.
Earlier on Saturday Lim Guan Eng shared a Facebook post which stated "Heavy rain alert! Today (5/11/17 Sunday) Penang will experience more rain and please take note of the following."
The authorities have also arranged a CCTV room to keep an eye on the flood-affected areas. According to officials, the main priority is to provide food, medical supplies and rescue people who are trapped.
Although the storm ended on Sunday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has alerted in its latest forecast that some areas could be further affected by a thunderstorm, heavy rain with strong winds. These vulnerable areas are Segamat District, Tangkak, Muar, Kluang, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru dan Kulai.
So far, the Malaysian police have confirmed that the storm has killed seven people, though five bodies are still not identified.
