Over 110 Miners Dead Due to Landslides During Myanmar Monsoon Season

Rescue workers moving victims at Ok Mine

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] More than 110 miners have died in a landslide during the rainy season in northern Myanmar.

According to foreign media including AP and dpa news agencies, on the morning of the 2nd (local time), a landslide caused by heavy rain occurred at a jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin State, northern Myanmar. Myanmar is currently in the rainy season. During this event, at least 113 miners searching for jade in the open-pit mine were swept away by the landslide and lost their lives. According to AP news, the death toll is confirmed to be over 113.

The number of fatalities is expected to rise. Dozens of people were injured and transported to nearby hospitals, and some are still reported to be trapped under the debris. While some media report that rescue operations are ongoing, others have reported that rescue efforts have been temporarily suspended due to the rain.

Myanmar is the world's largest jade producer. However, due to poor working conditions and lack of safety measures, large-scale casualties have continued to occur. Similar accidents have frequently happened in the Hpakant area where this incident took place. Last year, more than 50 miners died when a landslide buried them while they were sleeping. In November 2015, 116 miners were also killed when a pile of waste rock collapsed at a jade mine in this area.