The search for an Indian tourist who was swallowed by a sinkhole in Malaysia's capital has entered its seventh day. The incident occurred in the Dang Wangi area of Kuala Lumpur on August 23, when the pavement beneath the 48-year-old woman suddenly collapsed, causing her to plunge into an 8-meter-deep sinkhole.
Despite extensive search efforts, including the use of high-pressure water jets, excavators, tracker dogs, remote cameras, and ground penetrating radars, rescuers have not been able to locate the missing tourist, except for finding her slippers at the site of the sinkhole.
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department is leading the search operation, with plans to potentially send scuba divers into the sewage tunnel to investigate an obstacle that was detected. However, initial attempts by divers had to be aborted due to dangerous conditions.
Authorities have expressed concerns about public safety in the area following the emergence of a second sinkhole located 50 meters away from the initial incident site. As a precautionary measure, some roads in the affected area have been closed off.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Maimunah Mohamad Sharif has assured the public that a task force has been established to inspect sewage pipes and assess the safety of surrounding structures. The mayor emphasized the city's commitment to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors.
The missing tourist had been in Malaysia with her husband and friends for a vacation, with plans to return home the day after the incident occurred. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinkhole incident.
