Heavy, persistent rainfall caused Batang Kali landslide - Zahid
The deadly landslide at the Father's Organic Farm campsite in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor last December occurred due to slope failure following heavy and persistent rainfall, and not because of human factors.
This is according to forensic analysis of the incident, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
"Forensic analysis found a combination of major rain (Major Cumulative Rainfall) for a period of five days and Antecedent Rainfall cumulative 30 days before the landslide occurred, at 118.6mm and 444.8mm, respectively.
"This heavy rain caused the slope to fail, resulting in campsites at Hill View, Farm View Areas, and River Side, being buried in rubble, causing property damage and the loss of lives," Zahid, who is also the chairperson of the Central Disaster Management Committee, said in a statement today.
"The investigation found no strong evidence of anthropogenic activity being a factor to this landslide."
For the uninitiated, anthropogenic refers to environmental change caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly.
The statement was issued after Zahid chaired a Central Disaster Management Committee meeting.
It was also attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Armizan Mohd Ali, his deputy Ugak Anak Kumbong, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, and secretaries of state governments, in their capacity as leaders of their respective state's disaster management agencies.
"Forensic analysis found a combination of major rain (Major Cumulative Rainfall) for a period of five days and Antecedent Rainfall cumulative 30 days before the landslide occurred, at 118.6mm and 444.8mm, respectively.
"This heavy rain caused the slope to fail, resulting in campsites at Hill View, Farm View Areas, and River Side, being buried in rubble, causing property damage and the loss of lives," Zahid, who is also the chairperson of the Central Disaster Management Committee, said in a statement today.
"The investigation found no strong evidence of anthropogenic activity being a factor to this landslide."
For the uninitiated, anthropogenic refers to environmental change caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly.
The statement was issued after Zahid chaired a Central Disaster Management Committee meeting.
It was also attended by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Armizan Mohd Ali, his deputy Ugak Anak Kumbong, Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, and secretaries of state governments, in their capacity as leaders of their respective state's disaster management agencies.
Earlier this month, the Selangor government agreed to declassify the full report on the landslide.
The forensic analysis has also been sent to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for further action.
Zahid said the full report on the tragedy can be accessed by the public through Nadma's website from 10am tomorrow.
The tragedy which occurred at about 2.30am on Dec 16 last year involved 92 victims, 61 of whom were rescued, while 31 others perished.
It should not be Zahid Hamid, a politician, making the statement.
ReplyDeleteThere should be an independent expert body report, with public hearings to publish the findings.
The public interest aspect is very high for this case, and there are serious matters of safety and outdoor ecotourism that need to be addressed.