Some victims have limbs removed on-site to save lives

Survivors of a landslide that half buried an orphanage are given medical treatment in Hulu Langat in central Selangor state, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. -- PHOTO: AP

HULU LANGAT - SOME landslide victims underwent emergency amputations to save their lives.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said one or two victims had to have their limbs amputated at the makeshift treatment centre on site before they were sent to hospital.

He added that teams from the Ampang, Kajang and Kuala Lumpur hospitals rushed to the scene to provide emergency medical aid. Mr Liow said there were two specialists, nine doctors and 25 paramedics treating the victims.

'The treatment centre was set up to stabilise the patients before they are sent to hospitals,' he said at the site last night, adding that there were about 20 ambulances available.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said a complete report should be filed on the reasons for the incident, adding that the Federal Government would contribute RM10,000 (S$4,110) to each family of the victims. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil said investigations showed the orphanage was not registered.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said almost 500 members of the police, fire and rescue department and other agencies were involved in the overnight search-and-rescue operations. Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said many victims were taking part in a music rehearsal.