JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb 27 (NNN-BERNAMA) – More than 60 people are feared buried in a landslide, at an illegal gold mine in Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, in Indonesia.
The incident occurred at about 9.00 pm last night, at the illegal gold mining site, located in a forest area, about two-hours’ walk from Desa Bakan Kecamatan Lolayan.
According to Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), as at 5.00 am today, 13 people have been rescued, a man died and more than 60 people are believed still trapped under the rubble.
“It is believed more than 60 people are still buried in holes, which they had dug, which are between five and 24 metres deep,” said BNPB data information and public relations head, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, in a statement.
He said, local authorities had mounted a search and rescue operation for the victims.
Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow is among districts in North Sulawesi rich in mineral resources such as gold, iron ore, copper and sulphur.
According to local media reports, the authorities have closed the area, but local residents continue to trespass into the area to carry out gold mining activities.– NNN-BERNAMA
