Malaysia landslide death toll rises to 23, search operations on for missing persons

Rescue workers scoured through rubble and mud using tracker dogs and excavators on Saturday in search of about ten people believed to be buried in a landslide in Malaysia.

A total of 23 bodies have been recovered including six children and 13 women at the campsite in Batang Kali, which is about 50 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur.

Rescuers said there was hope of finding survivors if they clung on to piles or branches or rocks with pockets of air but that chances were slim.

The landslide occured when around 94 people were sleeping at an unlicensed campground on an organic farm early on Friday, as per authorities.

Most were families enjoying a short vacation during the yearend school break.

Seven people were hospitalized and dozens more, including three Singaporeans, were rescued unharmed.

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