BENTONG: Twenty-five occupants of the Pahang State Forestry Department quarters located near the landslide at the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway were rescued after losing contact due to the disaster last night.
Pahang State Fire and Rescue Department deputy chief Morni Mamat said one unit of the 10-unit quarters was affected after the main road connecting the quarters was inundated by mud.
He said all the victims were rescued including a mother who was still in the confinement period and were being sheltered at the mosque in Lentang for the time being. “Twelve firemen from Bentong, Karak and Genting Highlands were rushed to the scene to save the victims who were stuck in the quarters, soon after we receive a call at 6.30 pm.
“Water is still flowing behind the quarters and from time to time, and the fire department will monitor the building structures,” he told reporters here today.
Meanwhile, Morni said rainfall which exceeded normal levels was believed to be the main cause for the mudslide.
“This caused mud and debris to float from the hilly area before going down to the highway.
“In view of that, the fire department had instructed the highway concessionaire to temporarily close the road to allow the rescue team to monitor the situation and the road structure as there is still water and soil movement,” he said.
He said the mud which came down from the hills in the affected areas at the highway was estimated to be almost three feet high.
Meanwhile, eight motorists who were stuck because of the mudslide were rescued.
“All the victims are confirmed safe after the fire brigade arrived at the location,” he said.
He added that 70 fire department personnel from Bentong, Karak, and Genting Highlands including volunteer fire teams from Kuala Lumpur and Gombak were rushed to the scene soon after receiving a call about 6.30 pm to save the victims and clean the affected areas.
Checks by Bernama found that traffic was congested for 14 kilometres along the affected parts of the highway due to disaster.
Meanwhile, the concessionaire of the KL-Karak Highway (KLK), Anih Berhad in a statement said it decided to close both sides of the highway due to safety considerations for motorists.
The statement also said three private vehicles and a lorry stalled at the scene but all the occupants were rescued.
The KLK is currently conducting cleaning works and has set up contra routes. -- Bernama