A woman from India disappeared in Malaysia’s capital Friday when pavement collapsed beneath her and she fell into a sinkhole where she may have been swept away by an underground water current, police said.
The woman plunged into the 8-meter-deep (26-foot-deep) sinkhole in the Dang Wangi area of the Malaysian capital, where local police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said witnesses saw the paved walkway suddenly collapse under her while she was walking.
The woman was identified as a 48-year-old tourist from India.
Rescuers barricaded part of the area and used an excavator to clear debris in the sinkhole, but there was no immediate sign of the victim. Sulizmie declined to comment when asked about the possible condition of the woman, or the cause of the incident.
Rusdi was quoted by the national Bernama news agency as saying the search required careful planning because it involved public infrastructure. For instance, if pipes or drains were shut down, it could cause flooding in the area, he said. “We can’t act recklessly,” he added.
Rusdi said a soil slip was reported last year in the same location where the sinkhole appeared but that it was fixed. He said businesses in the area have been advised to close temporarily for safety reasons.
The woman had come to Malaysia with her husband and several friends about two months ago for a vacation and they were due to return home Saturday, he said.
Sinkhole Rescue Efforts
A search-and-rescue effort was still ongoing Friday night, but the water current was hampering their work. Rescuers were using an excavator to clear the hole but Rusdi told local media that gas and water pipes in the area meant they had to work carefully and deliberately.
What is a Sinkhole?
Sinkholes are a geological phenomenon, usually occurring in areas with soluble rock such as limestone, gypsum, or chalk. These rocks can be dissolved by acidic rainwater or groundwater, creating underground cavities. When the surface layer of soil is no longer supported by the underlying rock, it collapses, forming a sinkhole.
There are two main types of sinkholes: cover-subsidence sinkholes and cover-collapse sinkholes.
Cover-Subsidence Sinkholes
Cover-subsidence sinkholes form slowly over time as the soil above an underground cavity gradually subsides. They are more common in areas with sandy soil, where the soil is easily transported into the cavity.
Cover-Collapse Sinkholes
Cover-collapse sinkholes form suddenly when the soil above an underground cavity collapses rapidly. They are more common in areas with clay rock, where the soil is less stable and more likely to collapse.
Human Impact on Sinkhole Formation
While sinkholes are a natural phenomenon, human activities can exacerbate their formation. These activities include:
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Overpumping of groundwater: When groundwater is pumped out faster than it can be replenished, the water table can drop, causing the soil to become more compact and less stable.
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Construction: Construction activities can disrupt the natural drainage patterns and increase the amount of water that flows into the ground, increasing the risk of sinkhole formation.
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Leakage from pipes: Leaking water pipes can contribute to the dissolution of soluble rock and the formation of underground cavities.
Sinkholes Around the World
Sinkholes can occur anywhere in the world where there are soluble rocks. However, they are more common in certain areas, such as:
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Florida, USA: Florida is known for its karst topography, which is characterized by soluble rock and numerous sinkholes.
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Mexico: Mexico is another country with a high incidence of sinkholes. The Yucatán Peninsula is particularly prone to sinkhole formation due to its limestone bedrock.
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China: China is home to the world’s largest sinkhole, Xiaoxhai Tiankeng, which is 660 meters deep.
The Kuala Lumpur Sinkhole Incident
The recent sinkhole incident in Kuala Lumpur highlights the potential dangers of sinkholes, particularly in urban areas. It is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent them.
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the sinkhole and are working to ensure the safety of the area. The search for the missing woman continues. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sinkholes and the importance of taking precautions to prevent them.
