HPAKANT, Myanmar – At least 162 people were killed Thursday in a landslide at a jade mine in northern Myanmar.
The Myanmar Fire Service Department announced about 12 hours after the morning disaster that 162 bodies had been recovered from the landslide in Hpakant, the center of the world’s biggest and most lucrative jade mining industry.
“The jade miners were smothered by a wave of mud,” the Fire Service said.
It said 54 injured people were taken to hospitals. An unknown number of people are feared missing.
Those taking part in the recovery operations, which were suspended after dark, included the army and other government units and local volunteers.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness at the deaths, sent condolences to families of the victims and Myanmar’s government and people.
Gutteres reiterated “the readiness of the United Nations to contribute to ongoing efforts to address the needs of the affected population,” said his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric. (AP)
