11 dead, 19 missing in Indonesia landslide

Last Updated on July 9, 2024 10:26 am

At least 11 people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains in Indonesia. 19 people are missing in this incident.

AFP reported on Monday that 11 people died due to lack of safety in illegal gold mining in the remote village of Bon Bolang district in Gorantalo province of the country’s Sulasi Island. Many houses and a bridge were damaged in the landslide.

Herianto, the local head of Indonesia’s rescue agency Basarnas, said eight bodies had been recovered from the rubble. Besides, five people were rescued with injuries. The bodies of the three dead people have not yet been recovered. Besides, 19 others are still missing.

Herianto said several bridges in the area collapsed in the landslide and rescue workers had to walk to reach the accident site. He said that 180 people including police officers and soldiers are engaged in the rescue operation.

Incidentally, Indonesia, a Southeast Asian island nation rich in mineral resources, has various types of unlicensed mines scattered throughout. Locals from these abandoned mines conduct raids without taking necessary safety precautions or without permission in the hope of collecting valuable minerals. As a result of which various types of accidents often occur.