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On August 23, 2024, rescue workers entered a deep pit in Kuala Lumpur after a woman fell into a deep pit when part of the sidewalk collapsed.
The search for Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, the Indian woman missing in a Kuala Lumpur sinkhole, suffered a major setback as authorities deemed further diving “too risky”
The more than week-long search for a 48-year-old Indian woman who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur has suffered a setback after Malaysian authorities deemed it “too risky” to continue deploying divers.
Vijaya Lakshmi Gali's rescue mission, which began on August 23, has attracted the attention of Malaysia and received support from the Indian High Commission in the country. Galli, from Andhra Pradesh, was walking with his family to a nearby temple when he disappeared into an 8-meter (26-foot) deep sinkhole on India Masjid Road.
“Really scary”
Although only a pair of her slippers were found after a 17-hour initial search, rescuers still faced numerous challenges in their search for her. Two divers attempted to enter the sewer network on Friday but encountered strong currents and solid debris, making their task nearly impossible.
“It was found to be extremely difficult to break up these solidified fragments, which were like blocks of concrete,” said Noor Hisham Mohamed, chief of the Fire and Rescue Department. Divers reported zero visibility and dangerous conditions, and a firefighter brought the pieces The experience was described as “very scary”.
'Search operation'
The search operation used a variety of techniques, including high-pressure water jets, remote cameras and ground-penetrating radar, to inspect the sewer system and identify potential obstructions. However, the search was complicated by heavy rain and flooding affecting the area.
Read more: The search for an Indian woman missing after falling into a sinkhole in Malaysia enters the seventh day
The incident sparked fear and anger among residents, many of whom questioned the safety of Kuala Lumpur's infrastructure. Nearby business owners reported significant drops in sales, with some considering closing due to reduced foot traffic in the area.
The Malaysian government extended the visas of Galli's family, who were due to return to India shortly after her disappearance. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall also canceled National Day celebrations out of respect for her family. The Indian High Commission in Malaysia has said it is committed to supporting Gali's family and coordinating with local authorities as the search continues.
