A devastating landslide struck an illegal gold mine on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, claiming the lives of at least 12 people and leaving 18 others unaccounted for, authorities reported on Monday.
The disaster occurred over the weekend when torrential rains caused a massive landslide at an illegal gold mining site in Bone Bolango, a secluded area in Gorontalo province. The site, where around 33 locals were excavating gold, was engulfed by a deluge of mud from nearby hills, burying the workers.
As of Monday, rescuers had recovered the bodies of 12 victims, while two injured individuals were rescued on the day of the landslide. The search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 18 people who are missing, with hopes of finding them alive.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by informal miners in Indonesia, who often operate in perilous conditions with little safety measures in place. The country frequently witnesses illegal mining activities, which provide a fragile source of income for many workers but also pose significant risks of severe harm or fatality.
The landslide is the latest in a series of disasters linked to heavy rainfall on Sulawesi Island over the past few days. The region has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding and landslides that have caused significant damage and loss of life.
The Indonesian authorities have launched a rescue operation to locate the missing individuals and provide aid to those affected by the disaster. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and safety measures to protect workers involved in informal mining activities in the country.
