Latest news with #gasfire
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
A sombre Aidiladha for Putra Heights gas inferno victims
The gas pipeline fire destroyed 81 houses, with more than 40% of the structures sustaining structural damage; 81 other houses were partially destroyed and 57 houses were affected but not burned. (EPA Images pic) SUBANG JAYA : As Muslims look forward to celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha tomorrow, residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in Puchong must summon the strength to face the day, two months after their homes were destroyed in the gas pipeline inferno on April 2. Among them was Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, who said sheer will and determination have been his family's main source of strength in forging ahead despite now living with minimal means after losing most of their belongings in the fire. 'My family and I are grateful to be alive and to have received support from the community and various parties. However, I hope the recovery process, particularly the promised rebuilding of our home, can be expedited so that life can return to normal,' he said. Nasir's house remains without a roof, except for the garage, and the interior was devoid of furniture or electrical appliances, which had been destroyed in the intense heat of the fire. Nasir lives in the house alone, sleeping in the garage on a mattress he received from the temporary relief centre. 'Although I received financial assistance to rent a house, I feel more comfortable staying in my own home as I can also keep an eye on what's left of my belongings while my wife and four of our children occupy the rented house,' he said, expressing hope that the government would expedite the repair process for all victims' homes. Another resident, Ahmad Danial, 25, said that their lives are no longer the same, especially with the lingering trauma still deeply affecting the entire family. 'There are no major preparations (for Aidiladha). The house is still in ruins, making it difficult to gather comfortably with the family. We are relying on donations from local associations and neighbours,' he said, adding that he lost his job following the incident. Ahmad Kamarul Meskam, 42, expressed despair for not being able to gather with his siblings for Aidiladha after their mother's house was destroyed in the incident. He said before the fire, they lived in the same village. 'We have no plans to celebrate Aidiladha since we are now living in separate areas.,' he said, admitting that the tragedy has left a profound emotional impact. It is understood that the Kampung Sungai Baru Residents Association will hold a sacrificial ritual in conjunction with Aidiladha on Sunday on a plot of land in the village, thanks to donations of several cows and goats from an anonymous benefactor. The gas pipeline fire, which occurred at 8.10am, resulted in flames shooting up 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firefighters took nearly eight hours to completely extinguish the fire. A total of 81 houses were destroyed, with more than 40% of the structures sustaining structural damage; 81 other houses were partially destroyed, 57 houses were affected but not burned, and 218 houses remained unaffected.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Turkmenistan reduces 50-year fire dubbed 'Gateway to Hell'
Turkmenistan said on Thursday it had significantly reduced a gas fire that has been raging for half a century at a site dubbed the "Gateway to Hell" . The fire has been burning in the Karakum desert since 1971, when Soviet scientists accidentally drilled into an underground pocket of gas and then decided to ignite it. The blaze has been spewing out massive quantities of methane, a gas that contributes to climate change, ever since. Officials said the fire -- which has become the reclusive country's top tourist attraction -- had been reduced three-fold, without specifying the time frame. "Whereas before a huge glow from the blaze was visible from several kilometres away, hence the name 'Gateway to Hell', today only a faint source of combustion remains," said Irina Luryeva, a director at state-owned energy company Turkmengaz. Numerous wells have been drilled around the fire to capture methane, she said at an environmental conference in the capital Ashgabat. Turkmenistan -- one of the world's most closed countries -- is estimated to have the world's fourth largest gas reserves. It is the world's biggest emitter of methane through gas leaks, according to the International Energy Agency -- a claim denied by the authorities.
Malay Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
‘We're not looking for luxury, just survival': Putra Heights fire victims plead for extended aid as promises stall
PETALING JAYA, June 2 — Victims of the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, are hoping that temporary aid, such as rental homes, cars and motorcycles previously provided by various parties, can be extended, as some of the assistance has recently expired. Two months after the incident on April 1, some victims are now in a quandary as they are required to return the aid. Mohamad Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru who was affected by the incident, said his family is currently staying in a small house near their original home with rental support for three months while waiting for their house to be repaired. 'My house was deemed a total loss, with an estimated repair cost of RM150,000, but to this day, the appointed contractor has yet to begin work,' he told Bernama when met in the housing estate today. Mohamad Nasir said the temporary vehicle he received after the incident was also returned last month when the loan period ended. 'For daily errands, if I need a car, I use a Kancil that I've slowly repaired bit by bit. We're not looking for luxury — just a car that can serve our everyday needs,' said the father of nine. Regarding the repair works on his home, Mohamad Nasir said that for now, his family is trying to carry on with life as usual and understands that it will take time, as many other homes were also destroyed in the incident. 'When the contractor starts the repairs, I want to see how they will go about it and what the situation will be like, because we've yet to be informed how the process will be carried out,' he said. Meanwhile, his wife, Aliyah Ismail, 55, said she was grateful for the assistance received but hoped that cash compensation would also be provided to help victims, especially those left homeless, sustain their livelihoods. Previously a catering business operator, she now sells traditional cakes and snacks, earning between RM20 and RM30 a day to help cover daily expenses, in addition to financial support from her children. Aliyah said that so far, apart from receiving vouchers for electronic goods and other aid, her family has only been informed of assistance for home repairs. 'As of now, we haven't heard anything about compensation — only about home repairs. Compensation should be given. We have no money, no income. Rental is expensive. 'Goods are expensive too, and to restart my catering business, I need to buy a lot of supplies and equipment because everything was destroyed in the fire,' she said. The gas pipeline fire saw flames shoot more than 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firemen took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze. Eighty-one homes were destroyed, suffering structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, another 81 were partially destroyed, 57 were affected but not burnt, while 218 homes were unaffected in the fire. — Bernama
