Local residents claimed that the landslide in Hpakant’s Sankhar mine that killed many people have been caused by the blasting of mines by a mining company.
Local resident U Labya Naw Ji told K.N.G that 111 Mining Company blasted mines twice at 10 am on July 14 and the landslide took place in the afternoon.
“It (the landslide) happened because of the mine blasts. Nothing happened while these two were being dug. It’s surprising that the landslide occurred while it was very hot outside. Mines were blasted twice with full explosives at around 400 feet from the site. There was a vibration,” he said.
Currently, seventeen people have died and 63 people have been injured in the incident.
Lone Khin Administrator U La Awng told K.N.G that rescue efforts have been temporary halted due to lack of machines.
The Kachin National Congress (KNC) issued a statement today to urge the government to investigate the excess use of explosives and landslides in order to conserve the environment.
