Kuala Lumpur: As many as 21, including four children, have been killed after a landslide hit a holiday campsite in Malaysia’s Selangor state, CNA reported.
Many people are still missing at the campsite at Father’s Organic Farm in Gohtong Jaya, which is in the state of Selangor.
The landslide in Selangor state, on the outskirts of capital, Kuala Lumpur, occurred about 3 am (12.30 am IST), tearing down a hillside into an organic farm with camping facilities, the state fire and rescue department said in a statement.
the landslide that caused death of campers in Malaysia is very tragic and heartrending, condolences to the bereaved families pic.twitter.com/gghpiBRAKw
— andy (@andychester_) December 16, 2022
An estimated 94 Malaysians were believed to have been at the campsite at the time of the incident. Of which, 59 have been found safe, with 22 still missing, according to the fire and rescue department, as reported by Reuters.
The landslide came down from an estimated height of 30 metres above the campsite, and covered an area of about one acre, according to the fire and rescue department’s state director.
The department posted photos of rescuers with flashlights digging through soil and rubble in the early hours of the morning.
Some families with young children who were rescued took refuge at a nearby police station. Survivors reportedly said they heard a loud thundering noise before the soil came crashing down.
News agency Bernama tweeted that all campsites and water recreation areas around Batang Kali had been ordered to close immediately until further notice, citing the minister of home affairs.
Selangor is the country’s most affluent state and has suffered landslides before, often attributed to forest and land clearance. The campsite is located on an organic farm not far from the Genting Highlands hill resort, a popular tourist destination with theme parks and Malaysia’s only casino.
(With inputs from agencies)
