GEORGE TOWN: Soil movement continues at a landslide site in Taman Seri Rambai, Paya Terubong, which claimed the life of a 73-year-old man.
Northeast district officer Isma Suhaimi Shariff said the movement continued even without rain, raising fears of further soil collapse, particularly during heavy rainfall.
He said preliminary findings indicated that a leaking water channel and a clogged drain had caused water to accumulate and flow into the affected house, contributing to the soil movement.
Authorities are also concerned about a crane and a large concrete block at the site, which could fall if the ground shifted further.
"Work near the affected area has been stopped because of the risks," he told reporters at the site, adding that short-term mitigation measures would include covering the exposed slope with plastic sheets to reduce water penetration during heavy rain.
The landslide occurred about 8.30am in Taman Seri Rambai, with firefighters arriving eight minutes later.
A 73-year-old doctor died after being trapped between concrete and buried in soil, while his 68-year-old wife and 86-year-old mother-in-law were rescued.
The victim was extricated after about 30 minutes of careful rescue work due to the pressure from the soil and water, as well as the concrete trapping him.
About 40 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, police, the district health office, the Civil Defence Force, and the Northeast District and Land Office were involved in the operation.
Isma said six houses had been ordered to be vacated immediately as a precaution, affecting five families.
Dewan MPKK Paya Terubong has been activated as a temporary relief centre for the displaced residents.
The evacuation is expected to last a few days while authorities await technical assessments from the Penang Island City Council, the Minerals and Geoscience Department, and the Public Works Department.
The reports are expected within about three days and will help determine whether the affected houses are safe for occupation.
Alternative arrangements may be considered if the properties are deemed unsafe.
Isma said the incident was being treated as an accident rather than a disaster, with mitigation measures aimed at preventing further damage and loss of life.
A stop-work order has been issued for the affected project, which involved the construction of a road and apartments.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd