Indian woman disappears in Malaysian sinkhole: Inside rescue efforts
The operation to find the Indian woman who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last Friday entered its seventh day on Thursday. Vijaya Lakshmi Gali went missing after falling into the eight-meter sinkhole in Jalan Masjid while passing through the road. On the same day, a search and rescue (SAR) team was activated with members from various security services and local authorities. The team employed several approaches, including tracking dog units (K9) and 'jetting' method.
Second sinkhole emerges near original site
The search for was temporarily halted on August 27 due to heavy rainfall but resumed on Wednesday. "After flushing through portions of drain system, search is being augmented with specialized techniques including high-pressure water jets to remove obstacles, remote cameras and ground penetrating radars to map inaccessible areas," the High Commission of India said. The Pantai Dalam treatment plant, located around seven kilometres away from where the sewage ends, was also being searched.
Rescue efforts face challenges amid heavy debris
The search for Vijaya Lakshmi Gali has been challenging due to the strong water currents and heavy debris. Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, the local police official overseeing the rescue operations, stated that they believe there is something behind the heavy debris. He said no clues have been found regarding Gali's whereabouts despite using a technique of blasting and disintegrating objects. To prevent further complications from rainwater influx, officials have placed 100 sandbags around sewer lines.
Second sinkhole opened up on Wednesday
Meanwhile, a second sinkhole opened up approximately 50 meters away from the first on Thursday. The area has been cordoned off as authorities inspect the sewage pipes for further damage, according to Kuala Lumpur City Hall. According to Straits Times, an official from Malaysia's Mineral and Geoscience Department was seen scanning the street with ground-penetrating radar between the two sinkholes after the second sinkhole opened up following rain.
Government extends support to victim's family
Arvend Applasamy, a special officer to Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, has assured that the government is providing all possible support to Gali's family during this difficult time. Applasamy confirmed that the government has extended the visas of Gali's family by a month and appointed a counselor to help them navigate their grief. According to reports, Gali, who is from Andhra Pradesh, came to Malaysia with her husband and several friends about two months ago for a vacation.
