The search and rescue operation for an Indian woman who fell into a sinkhole in Malaysia eight days ago has been halted at the site in Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, the Fire and Rescue Department said, according to The Straits Times.
However, the department said rescue efforts would continue at the Pantai Dalam IWK sewage plant.
The department’s director-general Nor Hisham Mohamad told The Straits Times that investigations showed it was too risky to continue search and rescue operations using the scuba diving method.
According to state news agency Bernama, Mr Nor Hisham said strong currents of underground water, limited space for rescue workers and the presence of debris and hard obstructions were some of the risk factors that led to the decision.
“When we saw the entry point, which was about two feet (60 cm) wide, we were really worried they might get trapped. There was a ‘piston effect’ from the water, making it impossible for them to retreat, which is very dangerous,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
“Apart from posing a high risk to scuba divers, there are also obstacles there that are difficult for divers to overcome,” he said.
Indian tourist Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, who frequently travelled to Singapore and Malaysia for business, went missing after falling into an 8-metre-deep sinkhole on August 23. She was on her way to a temple when the ground suddenly caved in. Her husband and son managed to escape the accident.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassured tourists on Friday that Kuala Lumpur was safe, adding that areas at risk of sinkholes would be dealt with immediately. During a visit to Penang, he told reporters that geotechnical studies had determined the cause of the incident.
Monitoring the situation, the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur informed how search operations were underway to trace the woman and it was in touch with her family members.
“Officers are also in touch with the family members to provide continued support,” it added.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials of the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu (APNRT) Society to ensure that the search operation is conducted effectively.
