At least 38 dead in Penang
PENANG: At least 38people, including a nine-month-old baby, drowned and over 30 others reported missing after tidal waves triggered by a massive earthquake in West Sumatra hit the coastal areas including beach resorts in several parts of Penang.
Balik Pulau district, which bore the brunt of the onslaught, saw 15 people drowned while 43 injured and more than 30 missing.
In the popular tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi, relatively sheltered, there were 15 dead and three in Tanjung Bungah. Four others were found dead in other parts of the island.
Over on the mainland, one person drowned at the Pantai Kuala Bekah in Butterworth.
As of 7pm yesterday, the Penang Hospital has recorded 14 deaths and Balik Pulau Hospital 12.
Penang Health Department director Dr Azmi Shapie said 63 people were seeking treatment at the Penang Hospital, 30 in Balik Pulau Hospital, two in Seberang Jaya Hospital, three in Kepala Batas Hospital and six in private hospitals as of 5.20pm.
A Penang Meteorological Services spokesman said they first received a report on the tidal wave at noon but the waves could have hit Penang shores before 11am.
“Waves reaching 3m were reported at Batu Maung and between 2.4m and 3m at Batu Ferringhi,” he said, adding that they could have gone above 4.6m especially at enclosed bay areas.
He said unconfirmed reports from the public said the waves at Langkawi was as high as 8m.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah, who called a hasty press conference, said as of 6.45pm, there had been 28 reported deaths.
Abdul Rashid said operation rooms had been set up in Balik Pulau, George Town and one in Komtar.
“District offices have started to evacuate residents staying in coastal villages such as Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah and Pulau Betong in Balik Pulau,” he added.
“The state government was caught unawares despite the tremor in the morning.
“We actually have an early warning system but it is for the weather only. The tidal wave is unexpected,” he said, adding that for more information, the public could call the operation room at 04-2621819 or 2656308.
The state Welfare Department has already set up evacuation centre in schools, mosques, and community halls.
State Deputy Police Chief Senior Asst Comm II Mohd Ali Mohd Yusuf said police were still searching for four others who had been reported missing in Batu Ferringhi.
“All the victims, including five children, are locals. The deaths occurred in Pantai Boon Siew, Miami Beach and the beach in Tanjung Tokong,” he said.
He added that they had 155 police personnel to help monitor the situation.
“We have also deployed the help of the Rela and Federal Reserve Unit. All police officers who are on leave have been recalled,” he said.
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