A tragic incident unfolded as heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that hit an illegal gold mining site on Sulawesi island in Indonesia, claiming the lives of at least 11 people. Despite the efforts of rescuers who managed to save 23 individuals, including six injured, a considerable number of around 45 individuals remain missing, leaving a somber cloud over the community. The hazardous nature of informal mining endeavors in Indonesia was underscored as rescue operations were impeded by adverse weather conditions and blocked roads covered in mud and debris.
The search and rescue head, Heriyanto, described the harrowing scene as the landslide struck while about 79 villagers were engaged in gold mining activities in the remote Bone Bolango district of Gorontalo province. The aftermath of the deadly event saw the recovery of 11 bodies, including women and even a young boy, shedding light on the inherent dangers faced by those partaking in unauthorized mining operations. With torrential rains causing additional havoc such as embankment breaches and extensive floods in nearby villages, the disaster further highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the face of natural calamities and hazardous work environments. The perilous conditions in which many miners operate, devoid of proper protections and exposed to various risks including landslides, flooding, and toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, pose ongoing threats to their safety and well-being. Tragic incidents in the past, such as the one in North Sumatra in 2022 and North Sulawesi in 2019, have served as grim reminders of the perils that befall individuals engaged in illegal mining activities in Indonesia.
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