The authorities have decided to halt search and rescue efforts at the sinkhole area on Jalan Masjid India, as it was deemed too risky to continue using scuba diving methods. The search will now focus on the Pantai Dalam treatment plant where the sewer ends, located 7km away from the incident site. The tourist who fell into the sinkhole, identified as Ms Vijaya Lakshmi, was on a holiday with her family and due to return home soon. A broken portion of the sewer at the bottom of the sinkhole may have caused her fall, and recent heavy rains have hampered rescue efforts.
The heavy rain in Kuala Lumpur has caused fast-moving currents in the sewer, complicating divers’ efforts to search for the victim. The use of camera crawlers and ground-penetrating radar has not yielded results, and attempts to cut through debris in the pipes have not been successful. Metal screens at the treatment plant may have prevented Ms Lakshmi from being swept all the way there. Despite these challenges, efforts to locate the victim will continue, with potential compensation for the family to be discussed.
India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia has expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts and has accepted the decision to halt the search. Both Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Kuala Lumpur’s mayor have assured the public that the capital city remains safe, although businesses in the Masjid India area have reported a decline in customers. Mr. Anwar emphasized the importance of dealing with areas at risk of sinkholes promptly, according to a geotechnical study that identified the cause of the incident.
Sinkholes in Kuala Lumpur can be caused by various factors, including over-pumping of groundwater during construction, leaking pipes eroding the soil, or mining activities causing the collapse of large voids. The presence of limestone underneath the soil in Kuala Lumpur makes it susceptible to sinkholes, as water from rainfall can collect in cracks in the limestone and lead to erosion. As the limestone dissolves and causes cracks to widen, the ground above becomes unstable and can collapse, leading to sinkholes. Geology experts will provide further information on the structural safety of Kuala Lumpur to address concerns and prevent future incidents.
