Search for tourist who plunged into 8m-deep sinkhole in Malaysia ...
This photograph provided by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia shows rescue personnel entering a deep sinkhole after receiving reports that a woman has fallen into it in Kuala Lumpur, Friday, Aug 23, 2024. (Photo: Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia via AP )
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: The search for an Indian tourist who fell into an 8m-deep sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur's city centre entered its third day on Sunday (Aug 25).
The 48-year-old woman was walking on a pavement when it suddenly caved in on Friday morning, sparking a search-and-rescue operation.
However, the operation was halted on Saturday evening due to a lack of new leads, and resumed on Sunday morning.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sympathy and condolences to the family on Sunday, and instructed the Kuala Lumpur City Hall to meet with them, according to the New Straits Times.
"The search-and-rescue mission continues. There are still issues with the soil that we need to address," he told reporters.
Earlier, the authorities had inspected all six manholes from Jalan Masjid India - where the incident happened - to a sewerage pond in Pantai Dalam.
However, there were no signs of of the woman, except for a pair of slippers belonging to her.
According to The Star, a Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department official said the water level of the sewerage system in question was relatively low, although it was rapidly flowing.
Bernama reported that the woman's family members were at the scene as early as 8am on Sunday and the victim’s son was briefed about the day's operation.
Minister in the prime minister's department in charge of federal territories Zaliha Mustafa said in a media conference on Saturday that the cause of the sinkhole had yet to be identified.
She added that the authorities were waiting for a full report from the relevant agencies, which is expected after the operation is completed.
“To prevent a recurrence of sinkholes, we will re-map and obtain findings from all parties, including the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, to ensure the Kuala Lumpur area, especially those in this vicinity, remain safe,” she was quoted as saying in the Malay Mail.
