Heavy rains caused a deadly landslide near an illegal gold mine on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, leaving at least 11 dead and 19 missing, according to officials. Unlicensed gold mining is prevalent across the mineral-rich archipelago, attracting locals who search for leftover ore without proper safety precautions.
Landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season from November to April, but heavy rainfall in July is rare.
The landslide struck a remote village in Gorontalo province’s Bone Bolango district after torrential rain, killing 11 and leaving over a dozen unaccounted for. Rescuers, hampered by collapsed bridges and difficult terrain, are reaching the site on foot.
A local search and rescue agency reported that eight bodies have been evacuated and five injured survivors have been found. Three more deceased individuals have yet to be retrieved, and the search for the missing continues. About 180 rescuers, including police and soldiers, are involved in the operation.
