The death toll from a devastating landslide at an illegal gold mine on Indonesia’s central island of Sulawesi has risen to 23, with 35 others still missing, local rescue officials reported on Tuesday.
The tragedy struck a remote village in the Bone Bolango regency of Gorontalo province around midnight on Saturday. Heavy downpours triggered the landslide, engulfing the unlicensed mining site and trapping dozens of workers beneath layers of mud and debris.
“We have recovered 23 bodies so far,” a rescue official said. “Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but the difficult terrain and weather conditions are hampering our efforts.”
Desperate Search for Survivors
Families of the missing have gathered at the site, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Rescue teams, comprising local authorities and volunteers, are using heavy machinery and manual tools to sift through the landslide’s aftermath.
“The area is remote and access is challenging,” the official added. “We are doing everything we can to find survivors, but as time passes, the chances are diminishing.”
The Dangers of Unlicensed Mining
Indonesia’s mineral-rich archipelago is dotted with unlicensed mines where safety regulations are often ignored. Abandoned sites attract locals seeking to scrape out a living by hunting for leftover gold ore without proper safety equipment or training.
“Illegal mining poses significant risks,” said a spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. “We continuously work to prevent such activities, but economic pressures drive people to these dangerous practices.”
A Call for Stricter Enforcement
The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and better education on the dangers of unregulated mining activities.
“Communities must be made aware of the risks,” the spokesperson emphasized. “We need collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities to prevent future tragedies.”
A Nation Mourns
As Indonesia grapples with this latest disaster, the nation mourns the loss of life and reflects on the underlying issues that contribute to such events.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” said President Joko Widodo in a statement. “We must take decisive action to ensure the safety of our people.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
