[PHOTOS] Holiday joy turns to tears overnight in Batang Kali

KUALA LUMPUR – Laughter and holiday fun turned to tears overnight as a massive landslide hit the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali around 2am today.

Families and children were suddenly woken up by a loud bang as tonnes of earth came crashing down on them.

Many caught unaware were trapped under the rubble, and rescuers have found 16 bodies so far.

Some 17 people are still missing as nearly 500 search-and-rescue personnel are racing for time to find them. A total of 94 victims are involved, seven of which are injured and receiving medical treatment at government hospitals.

The three campsites affected were found to be operating illegally for at least two years as they only have approvals for organic farm plans in 2019 from the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council.

Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia has called for an inquiry into the disaster and has questioned development in environmentally sensitive areas.

Following this, all outdoor recreational activities in Batang Kali are suspended following the early morning landslide that has taken 13 lives, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Vibes’ photographer ALIF OMAR is at the Batang Kali site to capture heart-wrenching scenes as rescuers tirelessly work around the clock.