Five dead and 15 missing after landslide at abandoned jade mine in northern Myanmar

At least five people have been confirmed dead and around 15 others remain missing following a landslide at a jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin State, northern Myanmar, according to a state-run newspaper report on Tuesday. The landslide occurred on Sunday when a waste heap collapsed at an abandoned jade mining site near Namthmaw village. Local authorities, volunteer groups, and residents continued rescue operations on Monday despite persistent heavy rain and the risk of further landslides. The recovered bodies are being returned to their families. Hpakant, known for producing some of the world’s finest jade, frequently experiences deadly landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, as many people continue to scavenge for jade remnants at abandoned mining sites despite the significant dangers.