KUALA LUMPUR – The search-and-rescue operations will be focused at Sector B (Farmview camp) and Sector C (near the Riverside camp) as the last victim found yesterday was between the two areas.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department chief Datuk Norazam Khamis said the team is bringing in four excavators to clear the area of mud and fallen trees.
“However, the use of heavy machinery will depend on current weather conditions,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The search area yesterday included Sector A (Hillview camp).
In a press conference at the operation centre in Batang Kali, he said the search-and-rescue operations today will involve more than 150 personnel from various agencies, including police, the Civil Defence Force and the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team.
The main challenge today is the area’s stability as water continues to flow underground as well as the position of the 45-degree slope. It is also compounded by the 6m to 9m deep landslide.
“So far, there are no earth movements, but there are water flows and soft earth, which are slippery and pose a danger to rescuers.”
Yesterday’s disaster that hit the Fathers’ Organic Farm campsite saw a massive landslide, which was 300m in length and 70m in height.
Some 12 people are still missing while 21 bodies have been recovered. A total of 94 victims were affected, of which seven are in hospitals while 61 survived. – The Vibes, December 17, 2022
