THE accumulation of rainwater behind the retaining wall at Taman United, Kuala Lumpur, is one of the contributing factors that lead to the collapse on Monday (Nov 24) morning, says Selangor and Federal Territories Minerals and Geosciences Department director Rusli Mohamed.
“The retaining wall, built on the lower section of the road, was also not reinforced.
“Over time, it likely lost its strength due to the accumulation of water behind it, especially during this rainy season which has created significant pressure.
“The wall may not have been able to withstand the lateral stress, causing it to fracture and collapse,” he said in a press conference at the site of the landslide.
At about 10am on Nov 24, residents of Block C of Taman United flats felt tremors following the collapse of the retaining wall in front of their units.
Residents from 104 units of Block C flats were evacuated to safety.
Two cars and several motorcycles were crushed by the collapsed retaining wall.
Rusli added that large trees growing on the embankment also contributed additional load to the area near the collapsed wall.
“The roots might have penetrated and clogged existing weep holes, trapping the water inside, resulting in built-up hydrostatic pressure that grew stronger over time.
“This often becomes an issue in landslide cases,” he said, adding that authorities should first clear the large trees before implementing restorative measures.
At the site, tarpaulin sheets were used to cover the landslide.
