Survival chances slim for missing landslide victims, says Selangor fire chief

 

Selangor fire and rescue chief Norazam Khamis said the only chance for survival is if the victims were trapped near uprooted trees or large rocks.  (Facebook pic)

BATANG KALI: Survival chances are slim for the missing victims of the landslide here, says Selangor fire and rescue department director Norazam Khamis.

He said at this stage, the only chance for survival is if the victims were trapped near uprooted trees or large rocks.

“The chances of survival are very slim because there’s no oxygen if they are trapped under a heavy load of soil,” he said at a press conference.

A landslide occurred in the early hours of the morning yesterday at three campsites near the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road.

Based on the campsite operator’s visitor registration record, there were 94 campers at the site during the landslide in which 61 people were rescued.

The death toll so far is 21, with 12 others missing. A search and rescue operation is ongoing.

Norazam said rescue officers were working hard to retrieve the victims with the help of dog units.

He said if the remaining victims were not found within the next seven days, he would discuss with the police to extend the search and rescue operation.

“We will try our best to locate the victims.”

Last night, search and rescue efforts stopped at 11.30pm after heavy rain. It was resumed at 8.30am this morning with 135 search and rescue workers. - FMT