Search for Woman Swallowed by Sinkhole Enters Seventh Day, Only a Single Clue Has Been Found
The search continues for an Indian tourist, Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 23. Despite the search operation entering its seventh day, no trace of the 48-year-old has been found aside from her slippers. The incident occurred while she was walking in the Dang Wangi area when the pavement collapsed beneath her, dropping her into a 26-foot-deep hole. The search effort has included the use of tracker dogs, remote cameras, ground-penetrating radar, and high-pressure water jets to investigate underground drainage systems.
Concerns are heightened due to the emergence of a second sinkhole nearby, which has led to road closures and raised issues about soil stability in the area. Authorities, including Kuala Lumpur’s mayor, have assured the public about safety measures and inspections of surrounding structures. Gali was in Malaysia for a vacation with her husband and friends, just a day before their intended departure home. Rescue efforts will continue, with plans to deploy scuba divers into the sewage tunnel if conditions permit.
The search for an Indian tourist who was swallowed by a sinkhole in Malaysia’s capital entered its seventh day Thursday, with the operation hampered by strong undercurrent flows and worries about soil instability after a second sinkhole emerged nearby.
Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, 48, was walking along a road in the Dang Wangi area in Kuala Lumpur on August 23rd when the pavement beneath her suddenly collapsed. She plunged into the 26-foot-deep sinkhole and disappeared.
Rescuers have found no trace of her so far except for her slippers. The search operation has involved tracker dogs, remote cameras and ground-penetrating radar. Searchers have flushed portions of the underground drainage system using high-pressure water jets and excavators to remove debris.
Nor Hisham Mohammad, deputy director of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, said the search will continue. He said scuba divers may be sent into the sewage tunnel to check an obstacle that was detected if conditions are safe. Two divers entered early Thursday, but it was too dangerous and they were pulled out before they could reach the obstacle.
Authorities said a soil slip was also reported in the same location last year. A second sinkhole appeared Wednesday about 50 meters from where the woman disappeared, sparking concern over public safety. Some roads in the affected area have been closed after the incident.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohamad Sharif has reassured the public of the city’s safety. She said a task force has been formed to inspect sewage pipes and assess the safety of structures in the surrounding area.
Police said Gali came to Malaysia with her husband and friends about two months ago for a vacation. The accident occurred just a day before they were due to return home.
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