The death toll from a devastating landslide at an illegal gold mine on Indonesia’s central island of Sulawesi has increased to 23, with 35 people still unaccounted for, local rescue officials reported on Tuesday.
The landslide struck a remote village in the Bone Bolango regency of Gorontalo province shortly after midnight on Saturday, following heavy rains that destabilized the area. Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions due to the remote location and unstable ground as they continue efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies.
Illegal mining operations are widespread across Indonesia, a nation rich in mineral resources. Abandoned mining sites often attract local villagers seeking to extract leftover gold ore without proper safety measures. These unregulated activities frequently lead to accidents and disasters, particularly during the monsoon season when landslides and floods are more prevalent.
The Indonesian government has been urged to enforce stricter regulations against illegal mining and to improve safety protocols. Economic pressures and the allure of potential profits, however, continue to draw individuals into these hazardous practices.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
