At the time of the landslide, there were 94 people, of whom 61 were rescued, while 12 are still missing, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
The search for the remaining 12 campers missing in Malaysia after yesterday’s deadly landslide at an unlicensed camp continued for a second day today, but heavy rains overnight were complicating the search, officials said.
At least 21 people, including five children, were killed when a landslide in Batang Kali, a popular hill station about 50 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, crushed the victims as they slept in their tents.
At the time of the landslide, there were 94 people, of whom 61 were rescued, while 12 are still missing, according to Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency.
The search and rescue operation was suspended overnight due to bad weather and resumed at 8:30 this morning (02:30 local time, 02:30 Greek time), Selaghor state fire and rescue chief Norazam said. Hamis, adding that the efforts of the rescue teams are supported by seven specially trained dogs and excavators.
“We have to be careful, there is a strong flow of water from the top and into the ground. This complicates search operations because the ground is soft,” the official said. Norazam told reporters that there is little hope that the 12 missing have survived because of the lack of oxygen and the weight of the mud that has crushed them.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters late yesterday that the government would provide 10,000 ringgit (about $2,260) in aid to the family of each person lost in the tragedy, while survivors would receive 1,000 ringgit per household.
According to the first estimates, about 450,000 cubic meters of soil collapsed from a height of about 30 meters, causing tons of soil and mud to cover an area of about 4 hectares.
The Forest Service in several states has ordered the closure of campgrounds considered high risk as well as trails for hikers and off-road vehicles.
Landslides are common in Malaysia, but usually occur after heavy rainfall. Flooding is also common, with around 21,000 people forced to leave their homes in seven cities last year due to torrential rain.
RES-EMP
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
