Floods halt business in Manila, Penang
Monsoon season in Southeast Asia has ushered in devastating rains, halting business in Manila and affecting thousands in Georgetown, Penang.
Major traffic arteries in Metro Manila are submerged, including the main highway, shutting down financial markets, schools and offices, and displacing nearly a million people, officials said.
The palace of the president has released statements announcing the resumption of national government offices and the private sector, but suspension of work and classes still remain.
“Occasional intense rainfall has been observed from 8pm last night to 1am today, but it is projected to lessen within the day. Even as the situation remains of concern for so many citizens affected by the rain and flooding, it is imperative that we begin returning to normalcy as soon as possible,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement made on August 8.
At least 68 people have been confirmed dead as rescue operations continue throughout the flood-stricken city and surrounding jurisdictions. Water from Manila Bay has risen into the city and submerged over half of the metro area, while landslides have contaminated the city’s reservoir, La Mesa.
Millions of squatters in the shantytowns that surround the city have been forced to seek shelter in high-rise buildings, schools, gymnasiums and government facilities.
Yesterday morning also brought record rainfall to Georgetown, the capital of Penang, the highest on record since September 2008.
“Water overflowed the banks in Sungai Pinang, causing flash floods in several areas”, said State Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang.
The floods displaced at least 3,000 people in low-lying areas during the three-hour, early-morning pour.
At 8am, residents could be seen outside drying their personal belongings as the water began to recede. Clean-up dispatched by the Penang Municipal Council and state Drainage and Irrigation Department was carried out immediately.
A RM150 million project outlined in the 10th Malaysia Plan aims to alleviate the affects of heavy rain to this flood-prone region by widening and deepening of the river from Kampung Rawa to the Dhoby Ghaut bridge. Officials believe future floods would be less problematic once the project in implemented.
[caption id="attachment_4106" align="alignleft" width="300"] Flooded streets in downtown Manila on August 8, 2012.[/caption] Monsoon season in Southeast Asia has ushered in devastating rains, halting business in Manila and affecting thousands in Georgetown, Penang. Major traffic arteries in Metro Manila are submerged, including the main highway, shutting down financial markets, schools and offices, and displacing nearly a million people, officials said. The palace of the president has released statements announcing the resumption of national government offices and the private sector, but suspension of work and classes still remain. "Occasional intense rainfall has been observed from 8pm last night to 1am today,...
Monsoon season in Southeast Asia has ushered in devastating rains, halting business in Manila and affecting thousands in Georgetown, Penang.
Major traffic arteries in Metro Manila are submerged, including the main highway, shutting down financial markets, schools and offices, and displacing nearly a million people, officials said.
The palace of the president has released statements announcing the resumption of national government offices and the private sector, but suspension of work and classes still remain.
“Occasional intense rainfall has been observed from 8pm last night to 1am today, but it is projected to lessen within the day. Even as the situation remains of concern for so many citizens affected by the rain and flooding, it is imperative that we begin returning to normalcy as soon as possible,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement made on August 8.
At least 68 people have been confirmed dead as rescue operations continue throughout the flood-stricken city and surrounding jurisdictions. Water from Manila Bay has risen into the city and submerged over half of the metro area, while landslides have contaminated the city’s reservoir, La Mesa.
Millions of squatters in the shantytowns that surround the city have been forced to seek shelter in high-rise buildings, schools, gymnasiums and government facilities.
Yesterday morning also brought record rainfall to Georgetown, the capital of Penang, the highest on record since September 2008.
“Water overflowed the banks in Sungai Pinang, causing flash floods in several areas”, said State Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang.
The floods displaced at least 3,000 people in low-lying areas during the three-hour, early-morning pour.
At 8am, residents could be seen outside drying their personal belongings as the water began to recede. Clean-up dispatched by the Penang Municipal Council and state Drainage and Irrigation Department was carried out immediately.
A RM150 million project outlined in the 10th Malaysia Plan aims to alleviate the affects of heavy rain to this flood-prone region by widening and deepening of the river from Kampung Rawa to the Dhoby Ghaut bridge. Officials believe future floods would be less problematic once the project in implemented.
