Myanmar, Landslide in Hpakant Township, Kachin State

The Government of Myanmar reported that by the afternoon of 02 July, 126 bodies had been recovered from the jade mining site of Kyaukmyet Shwe Pyi Company (locally called 111 company) in Laku Creek, Ward-6, Wahkar village in Phakant (also Hpakant) Township in Kachin State. By 03 July, the Myanmar Fire Services Department reported 166 dead and 54 injured. Many more are feared missing. The landslide was reportedly caused by heavy rain, according to the fire service. The Government said the bank of Laku creek collapsed. This set off a fatal wave of mud and torrents of water onto the mine where dozens were working. “The bank of Laku Creek collapsed. The collapse was attributed to the local jade mining workers prospecting jade…” said U Ma Jee Brang Mai, a social rescue worker. Local officials, police, Red Cross, emergency teams and local volunteers are continuing to search for survivors and missing bodies. The Department of Natural Disaster Management under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement will provide necessary assistance to the family of the landslide victims, a government statement said.