Flash Flood Hits Religious School in Penang, 73 Students Safe

Seventy-three students at a religious school in Simp Ampat, Penang, were safely evacuated after a flash flood inundated parts of the school compound on 10 May.

Floodwaters covered the grounds of SMA Al-Maahadul Islami Tasek Junjung in Simpang Ampat. Credit: Fire and Rescue Department

Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call at 7.19pm regarding flooding at SMA Al-Maahadul Islami in Tasek Junjung.

A team from the Bukit Mertajam fire and rescue station arrived at the scene and found floodwaters about one foot high following heavy rain and rising river water levels.

“However, when firefighters arrived, the water had already begun receding and the situation was under control,” he said in a statement.

Firefighters conducted monitoring operations as students were still at the school hostel during the incident.

All 73 students, comprising 39 girls and 34 boys, were reported safe.

“The school management also contacted the families of the affected students to arrange for them to be picked up,” he added.

The floodwaters receded completely and the operation ended at 9.30pm. Police and Civil Defence Force personnel also assisted at the scene.