Malaysia landslide kills 16

Malaysia: The death toll from a landslide caused by heavy rains that hit a Malaysian orphanage has risen to 16, police said Sunday, announcing the search operation was over.

The incident took place at around 2:30 pm Saturday at the Children's Hidayah Madrasah Al-Taqwa orphanage in Hulu Langat, just south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

A policeman at the scene said 16 bodies had been recovered, including a 34-year-old caretaker.

The ages of the others killed ranged from eight to 19 years old. "The search and rescue operation is over. We have completed our mission," said a police officer at the scene, who did not want to be named.

Villager Mohamad Azam, 38, said: "The last four bodies were taken out at about 5:30 am. I know some of the boys."

Hulu Langat, Sunday, AFP