KUALA LUMPUR: The relevant authorities have begun clearance and short-term terrain stabilising work in earnest at the Taman Melawati landslide.
This is what was observed by the New Straits Times after being allowed to enter "ground zero" in Jalan E6.
At the site, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) workers were seen clearing soil and debris which had slid down the slope.
Pressurised water jets are being used to clear off soil and mud following yesterday's landslide.
Meanwhile, the installation of canvas to protect the exposed topsoil was being done by contractors on the slope itself.
Workers in harnesses were seen hard at work clearing residual tree branches and roots to ensure proper coverage of the affected area.
At the slope's peak, the authorities were seen conducting checks and monitoring the progress of the canvas installation.
Earlier, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said authorities have identified short-term mitigation actions which include clearing landslide debris, including drains, both above and below the slope.
He said tree pruning works in the slope area and temporary water flow diversion are ongoing, while the effort to cover the slope with canvas will be completed in a short space of time.
He added that they aim to ensure that the drain at the top is closely monitored and cleaned immediately.
Continuous heavy rain led to the landslide yesterday morning, prompting the evacuation of the occupants of 20 houses near the area.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel said the 20m-by-20m section of the slope had collapsed from a height of 30m.