At least 25 missing after Myanmar jade mine landslide

At least 25 people are missing after a landslide at an unregulated jade mine in a remote region of Myanmar, rescue workers said, Report informs referring to AFP.

The incident on Sunday outside northern Kachin's Hpakant township -- near where hundreds of miners were entombed in a landslide in 2020 -- comes days after much of the country was swamped by torrential rain and floods.

The highly lucrative jade mining industry is mostly unregulated, with migrant workers enduring dangerous conditions and frequently deadly accidents.

"About 25 people went missing. We haven't got a detailed list as it's difficult to get here," one rescue worker, who did not want to be named, told AFP from the scene.

He described how a massive pile of earth about 150-180 meters (500-600 feet) high left behind by mining excavations was loosened by the intense rains and collapsed.

Search and rescue missions were continuing, he said, but some workers had already returned to the scene in the hope of finding jade.

"We haven't found any dead bodies yet," he said.

Another rescue worker confirmed to AFP that attempts to recover people were ongoing despite fears of secondary landslides.

"It is not safe for rescue workers to search it," said the individual, who was with the emergency group Myanmar Rescue and also requested anonymity.

He added that the mine's operations had been suspended during the rainy season, but those caught in the landslide were believed to be locals hoping to strike it rich by scouring the mud.