GEORGE TOWN: Stormy weather wreaked havoc in various parts of Penang, causing a landslide in Paya Terubong and rough seas along Pantai Bersih in Butterworth.At Tingkat Paya Terubong 2, tonnes of earth came crashing down a hill onto the grounds of the Taman Terubong Jaya apartments where over 1,000 residents were staying.
The landslide, which occurred during heavy rain at about 2.45am yesterday, caused the retaining wall to collapse and turned the apartment car park into a muddy waterway.
At least two cars were buried under the earth while gushing water from the hill shifted at least four other cars from their parked position.
Engineer Teh Han Cheow, 34, could only watch in despair as firemen tried to salvage his two-year-old Honda City which was completely buried under earth.
“I just spent RM800 on Tuesday to replace the tyres. I thought parking my car behind the retaining wall would be the safest spot but it has turned out otherwise,” he said, adding that this was the third time a landslide had occurred in the vicinity.
In Seberang Prai, strong waves pounded Pantai Bersih in Bagan Ajam, damaging concrete pavements and causing cracks at a seafood restaurant.
Boats moored at sea escaped damage but giant waves of up to 2m high hit the porch of eight fishermen shacks and the restaurant.
State meteorological department director Loh Eng Kee said people living in the northern states should expect heavy rain in the late afternoon and at night for the next few days.
“We are still in the inter-monsoon period but rainfall this year has been at least 40% more than last year.
“The seas will be rough if you are coming from Langkawi to Penang, with waves as high as 1.5m to 2.5m.
“Those living in the Bagan Ajam coastal areas should be on alert,” he said.
Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department director Hanapi Mohamad Noor said the water levels near Sungai Muda, Pinang Tunggal and Ladang Victoria on the mainland were being monitored.
Sourced from The Star Oct 23.
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