The death toll from the landslide that occurred on a jade mine site in the town of Hpakant in Myanmar’s Kachin state is increasing. The rescue workers stated that 22 people have been found dead so far. The search is being carried out by more than 100 personnel. It is estimated that the landslide occurred when the piles of soil left from the excavations started sliding due to heavy rain. The casualties were dragged into the lake near the site, along with the soil pile.
Landslides are common in the country due to heavy monsoon rains between May and October.
Myanmar produces about 90 percent of the world’s jade.