Myanmar jade mine landslide kills additional than 100

At minimum 113 bodies have been uncovered just after a landslide at a jade mining internet site in northern Myanmar, officials say.

Rescue operate is continuing for people still missing at the web site in the Hpakant location of Kachin point out.

A wave of mud activated by major rain engulfed all those accumulating stones, the hearth services explained.

Myanmar is the world’s greatest source of jade but its mines have witnessed various accidents, several involving people who scavenge for stones.

The country’s fire support division said in a Facebook put up: “The jade miners ended up smothered by a wave of mud, which strike just after major rainfall.”

The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says video clip of the incident demonstrates a landslide pouring into a flooded pit. The sides then collapse sending drinking water surging into the valley down below.

It is unclear specifically who was influenced by the incident. Hundreds of individuals collect at mines to sift through rubble discarded from lorries, hoping to come across jade stones.

The rubble generates big slopes that can be hazardous in an space denuded of trees and resembling a moonscape.

Extra than 100 individuals died past yr on your own at mining web-sites.

Myanmar’s jade trade is described to be really worth additional than $30bn (£24bn) a calendar year. Hpakant is the website of the world’s biggest jade mine.

Our correspondent says a new gemstone mining law was handed very last 12 months, but critics say the governing administration has way too couple of inspectors with only limited authority to cease unlawful tactics.

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