A landslide in Malaysia killed at least 16 people, including children, who were sleeping in their tents.
Officials reported on Friday that the landslide in Selangor state abutting the capital, Kuala Lumpur, began before 3 a.m. (1900 GMT), tearing down a slope into an organic farm with camping facilities.
The cause of the landslide was not immediately clear and there had been only light rain in the area.
The disaster struck about 50 km (30 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur in Batang Kali town, just outside the popular hilltop area of Genting Highlands, known for its resorts, waterfalls and natural beauty.
Malaysia National Disaster Management Agency says there were 94 people caught in the landslide but 61 were found safe, with 17 still missing. Among those killed were three children and 10 women.
Eight people were hospitalised, including a pregnant woman, while others had injuries ranging from minor cuts to a suspected spinal injury, health minister Zaliha Mustafa told a news conference.
District police chief Suffian Abdullah said the dead were all Malaysians, including a child about 5 years old. Close to 400 personnel were deployed for the rescue mission, he said.
The landslide came down from an estimated height of 30 metres (100 ft) above the campsite, and covered an area of about one acre, according to the fire and rescue department’s state director.
All campgrounds and water recreation places around Batang Kali were ordered to close immediately, news agency Bernama reported, citing the home affairs ministry.
Selangor is the country’s most affluent state and has suffered landslides before, frequently related to forest and land clearing.
Landslides are widespread in Malaysia, however they usually occur following significant rainfall. Flooding happens frequently, with around 21,000 people affected by excessive rain in seven states last year.
