Landslide hits illegal gold mine in Indonesia

A landslide took place on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island in the early hours of Sunday, July 7, claiming the lives of at least 12 people, officials said on Monday.

Furthermore, prior to the landslide’s occurrence, the area had experienced a period of torrential rain, something unusual for July, which is typically dry.

The event took place in the Suwawa district of the Gorontalo province and struck both miners and residents of a nearby village, houses in which were damaged or flattened.

In addition to the people that lost their lives, a further 18 remain missing, and 5 more have so far been rescued from the rubble.

Heriyanto, head of the local rescue agency stated that 164 personnel have been deployed in the area, including the national rescue team, police and the military.

However, the rescuers' work is hampered by continuing bad weather conditions, as well as muddy terrain existing in the 20 kilometers they have to cross in order to reach the landslide site.

He also said that an excavator will be put into service once it is possible.

Finally, another landslide on Sulawesi island had caused 18 fatalities back in April.