BATANG KALI: Four ground penetrating radar (GPR) detectors were brought to the scene of the tragedy here to help the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation, which entered its sixth day today.
However, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), based on input from Geoventure Solution Sdn Bhd and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (Jupem), the accuracy of the GPR was affected by uneven and unstable surfaces and moist soil.
Nadma said the situation could cause the data of the sophisticated equipment to be less accurate.
"In order to obtain optimal results, the frequency range that can be used by the GPR device is from 100 MHz to 1,000 MHz, but for the case of the landslide at Father's Organic Farm, the frequency used is 500 MHz which can penetrate up to five metres underground," it said in a statement.
Of the four devices, one was obtained from Jupem, two from Geoventure Solution and one from the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.
GPR works by emitting electromagnetic waves below the surface of the ground through a transmitter and detecting the reflected waves using a receiver sensor.
"Based on the wave pattern, differences in magnetic properties can be detected and in the current context the different reading indicates is a body," read the statement.
The landslide tragedy at 2.42am last Friday at the campsite has so far seen 61 survivors, 26 dead and seven still missing. --Bernama