Nibong tebal: A total of 73 students of Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA) Al-Maahadul Islami Tasek Junjong, Simpang Ampat, here were affected after the school compound was inundated following heavy rain late this evening.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of Fire Operations Division John Sagun Francis said seven personnel together with two fire engines from the Bukit Mertajam Fire and Rescue Station were deployed to the location immediately after receiving an emergency call at 7.48 pm.

He said the incident was caused by heavy rain which led to rising river levels, resulting in a flash flood at the school compound with water levels estimated at 0.3 metres.

'The situation was found to be under control and the floodwaters fully receded at 9.30 pm,' he said in a statement tonight.

John said all affected students, comprising 39 girls and 34 boys residing at the school hostel, were safe.

He added that the school had also contacted their respective families to enable the students to be taken home.