In Myanmar, at least 17 people died due to a landslide in Hpakant mining region today. Xinhua news agency reported that the landslide occurred due to a collapse of a 60.9-meter high spoil tip near a mining worksite in Wak Khar village, the epicentre of the perilous work.
Myanmar is the world’s top producer of the near-translucent green gem in trade fuelled by demand from neighbouring China.
A number of deadly landslides has struck the area around Hpakant in recent years, with one major incident in November 2015 leaving more than 100 dead.
Source: AIR