Officials End Search For Indian Woman Who Fell In Sinkhole In Malaysia

The family of the Indian tourist, who disappeared after falling into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, performed her last rites after officials ended an unsuccessful week-long search. The woman, 48-year-old tourist Vijaya Lakshmi Gali from Andhra Pradesh, fell into an eight-metre sinkhole on August 23. According to reports, her husband, son, and sister arrived in Malaysia to conduct a final religious ceremony at the site before returning to India. The family lit oil lamps and rang bells as part of the ceremony. They were seen taking a clump of soil, which they placed in a plastic bag, presumably to take back to India.

On August 31, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said that her rescue mission was "too risky" to continue as the fire department deemed it dangerous to continue deploying divers. The search mission became more complicated due to heavy rain and flooding in the area.

Nor Hisham Mohammad, director-general of the Fire and Rescue Department said, “It was found to be extremely difficult to break the solidified debris, which are like concrete blocks." Divers reported zero visibility and hazardous conditions, with one firefighter describing the experience as “really scary.”

Rescue Operations For Over A Week

The incident happened at Jalan Masjid India in the Dang Wangi area when the woman was walking on a sidewalk that suddenly collapsed. The local police chief, Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman mentioned how witnesses saw the paved walkway suddenly collapse under her. Followed by the witnesses reported that they saw her disappearing into the 26-foot-deeply sunk gigantic hole, according to a report by AP.

The woman and her companions had been in Malaysia for a two-month holiday and were scheduled to return home on August 24. Corresponding to this the local police nearby, confirmed that the woman, who was visiting Malaysia with her husband and friends, was missing. 

Rakaman CCTV mengenai tanah jerlus di Masjid India. Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) sedang giat dijalankan untuk memperluas lubang kawasan mendapan untuk operasi mencari dan menyelamat wanita yang dipercayai tertimbus selepas jatuh sedalam lapan meter. Kredit: kosmo_online pic.twitter.com/WogD3NJSUw

— OHBULAN! (@ohbulanofficial) August 23, 2024

Search and rescue efforts had been made underway to locate her. The area had been cordoned off, and an excavator was being used to remove debris, but there had been no sign of the missing woman so far.  Kuala Lumpur police chief, Rusdi Mohamad Isa mentioned that there is a strong underground water current in the area, and it was feared the woman might have been swept away.

As quoted by the national news agency Bernama, he stated "The search requires careful and strategic planning because it involves public infrastructure. We cannot act recklessly." Rusdi also noted that shutting downpipes or drains could lead to flooding in the area, as reported by AP. Commenting on the same, he also added that a soil slip had been reported in the same location last year, but it was repaired successfully. Due to safety concerns, businesses in the vicinity have been advised to remain temporarily closed.