A tragic landslide at an illegal gold mine on Indonesia's central island of Sulawesi has claimed the lives of 23 individuals, with 35 others still missing, according to local rescue officials on Tuesday.
The devastating landslide struck a remote village in the Bone Bolango regency of Gorontalo province amidst heavy downpours at midnight on Saturday, overwhelming the area and making rescue efforts extremely challenging.
Illegal mining operations are prevalent across the mineral-rich Southeast Asian archipelago, where abandoned sites often attract locals in search of leftover gold ore. Unfortunately, these miners frequently operate without proper safety equipment, increasing the risk of such deadly incidents.
The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the disaster, as rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing and provide support to the affected families. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers associated with unlicensed mining activities in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
