This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53260834
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Myanmar jade mine landslide kills more than 100 | |
(32 minutes later) | |
At least 113 bodies have been found after a landslide at a jade mining site in northern Myanmar, officials say. | |
Rescue work is continuing for people still missing at the site in the Hpakant area of Kachin state. | |
A wave of mud triggered by heavy rain engulfed those collecting stones, the fire service said. | A wave of mud triggered by heavy rain engulfed those collecting stones, the fire service said. |
Myanmar is the world's biggest source of jade but its mines have seen numerous accidents, many involving people who scavenge for stones. | Myanmar is the world's biggest source of jade but its mines have seen numerous accidents, many involving people who scavenge for stones. |
The country's fire service department said in a Facebook post: "The jade miners were smothered by a wave of mud, which hit after heavy rainfall." | |
The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says video of the incident shows a massive landslide pouring into a large flooded pit. The sides then collapse sending water surging into the valley below. | |
It is unclear exactly who was affected by the accident. Hundreds of people gather at mines to sift through rubble discarded from lorries, hoping to find jade stones. | It is unclear exactly who was affected by the accident. Hundreds of people gather at mines to sift through rubble discarded from lorries, hoping to find jade stones. |
The rubble creates large slopes that can be dangerous in an area denuded of trees and resembling a moonscape. | The rubble creates large slopes that can be dangerous in an area denuded of trees and resembling a moonscape. |
More than 100 people died last year alone at mining sites. | More than 100 people died last year alone at mining sites. |
Myanmar's jade trade is reported to be worth more than $30bn (£24bn) a year. Hpakant is the site of the world's biggest jade mine. | Myanmar's jade trade is reported to be worth more than $30bn (£24bn) a year. Hpakant is the site of the world's biggest jade mine. |
Our correspondent says a new gemstone mining law was passed last year, but critics say the government has too few inspectors with only limited authority to stop illegal practices. | Our correspondent says a new gemstone mining law was passed last year, but critics say the government has too few inspectors with only limited authority to stop illegal practices. |