1,500 evacuated over landslide fears

BUKIT BERUNTUNG: Massive soil erosion as a result of continuous rainfall left two apartment blocks in Taman Bunga Raya here in danger of structural failure.
Over 1,500 residents of the five-storey Teratai apartments were evacuated when large depressions appeared along road stretches surrounding the buildings at about 10am today.
Kuala Kubu Baru fire and rescue department chief Nor Azhar Tajudin said the residents were evacuated after an inspection revealed soil movements were active at the time.
"The Public Works Department and other agencies are carrying out soil testing and other procedures at the affected areas. We are waiting for their report to determine if the two blocks are safe for occupancy.
"For now, the residents have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and are taking temporary shelter at three schools here," he said when contacted last night.
Nor Azhar said there were no casualties reported and about 20 firemen are on duty at the scene to manage any emergency that may arise.
It is learnt that early signs of soil erosion had appeared in the vicinity of the apartments on Sunday, with the situation worsening today morning.
Sources said as of 8pm today, preliminary reports showed that the movement of soil in the affected areas had not ceased.