KUALA LUMPUR – The deadly landslide in Cameron Highlands’ Blue Valley that claimed five lives was caused by the continuous downpour over two days, said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Based on the investigation conducted by the Mineral and Geoscience Department, the continuous heavy rain, which started at 3pm on January 24 with a cumulative daily rainfall reaching 126mm by the next day, resulted in the landslide.
“The continuous rain has caused natural slopes with more than a 35-degree gradient to be prone to landslides,” it said in a statement today.
The ministry urged the local authorities to take input from the Slope Hazard and Risk Map Production Project when planning development and regulating agricultural activities in hilly areas.
It added that a study will be made on installing early warning systems such as rain rouges, especially in seven highly vulnerable areas, by the end of the year.
“The Mineral and Geoscience Department will expand and update maps to provide stakeholders with information related to the landslide-prone areas.”
By January 27, rescuers had recovered all the remains of the five Myanmar nationals.
The bodies have been sent to Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital in Cameron Highlands for further action.
The rescue efforts were assisted by the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team, the K9 Unit, the Civil Defence and firefighters from Perak, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. – January 30, 2024
