A dramatic search for an Indian woman who vanished into a pavement sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur has hit a major obstacle on its eighth day, as authorities deem it too risky to continue deploying divers. The disappearance of Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, 48, has captivated Malaysia, with 110 rescuers working tirelessly to locate her. Despite finding a pair of slippers early on, search efforts have been fruitless. Two divers faced challenges navigating a sewer network, battling water currents and hard debris. The narrow space forced them to lie flat, making it impossible to break through the solidified blocks obstructing their path.
Ms. Gali, a visitor from India, disappeared near a temple with her family. Excavators, sniffer dogs, and high-pressure water jets have all been utilized in the search. The area has been cordoned off, impacting local businesses and creating an eerie quietude in a typically bustling tourist spot. With the government extending visas for Ms. Gali’s family and canceling National Day celebrations, the incident has sparked fear and raised questions about the cause of the sinkhole. Authorities plan to conduct an integrity audit to determine the underlying factors, with initial theories pointing to a mix of human activity and climate change.
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