THE thick, muddy and rocky soil have complicated efforts to locate the 12 missing victims after yesterday’s landslide at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite in Gohtong Jaya. 

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation has also been hampered by continued water flow at the location. 

The department has installed sensors at the site to detect soil movement and monitor the risk of further landslides.

Norazam said the equipment was installed in three locations as a precautionary measure with the help of the Minerals and Geoscience Department due to the rainy weather, which can cause landslides. 

“Based on physical observation, there is no soil movement but there is still underground water flow, which causes the soil to soften. 

“This is also to ensure the safety of SAR operation personnel,” he told reporters at the disaster site today. 

He also said that so far, the exact locations of the remaining victims have yet to be identified, but unearthed camping equipment and personal belongings would be important indicators in today’s operation. 

“By digging, the SAR team will identify camping signs and equipment such as hammocks and blankets. 

“It is possible that the incident occurred while the victims were sleeping and did not have time to save themselves,” he told a press conference at the scene today. 

Asked about the possibility of finding survivors, Norazam said there are chances someone is still alive if they managed to cling to piles of rocks or trees that had gaps for them to breathe.

“However, since it has been over 24 hours, coupled with the soil conditions and water flow at the scene, there is a slim chance for us to find survivors,” he said. 

He further said that some of the victims were buried between three and five feet (0.91m to 1.52m) underground, and some were found through visible body parts on the surface. 

According to Norazam, today’s SAR operation involves 135 workers from various agencies, seven tracking dogs and heavy machinery, adding that the effort would last 24 hours depending on the weather.

The smaller group size (from yesterday’s 700 rescue workers) is another precaution taken to ensure the safety of SAR personnel.

“The operation will continue until all the victims have been found or until the seventh day. The operation after that will be detailed later,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Hulu Selangor district police chief Suffian Abdullah, who is leading the SAR operation, said all the bodies recovered had no identity documents with them and urged those whose family members are missing after the incident to lodge a police report.

The SAR operation resumed at 8am. 

The 2.42am landslide saw a section of a ravine measuring almost 300m long and 70m high crashing onto the campsite. 

Ninety-four people were trapped in the landslide, and as at midnight, 12 people were reported missing, while 23 have been confirmed dead and the rest rescued. – Bernama, December 17, 2022.