A devastating landslide at an illegal jade mine in the Burmese city of Hpakant has left at least 31 people dead. The Kachin region, where the city is located, has been hit by heavy rains and flooding in recent days. Rescue efforts are ongoing, as eight individuals are still missing.

 

Rescue teams have struggled to reach the victims due to the thick layers of mud resulting from the rains. Some victims were found in the water. The rainy season has halted jade extraction, a lucrative yet hazardous activity in the region due to lack of regulation and unstable conditions.

 

Authorities suggest that the victims were likely local residents attempting to find valuable jade pieces amidst the mud. In this instance, a significant portion of the mine slid from a height of 150 to 180 meters. It's worth noting that in 2020, a similar tragedy occurred at a mine in the same city of Hpakant, claiming the lives of around 300 people.

 

Myanmar is one of the world's major producers of jade, but the extraction of this mineral has been linked to armed conflicts and lack of security in the region.