Jade Mine Tragedy Claims 33 Lives In Myanmar’s Kachin State

16-8-2023 (YANGON) The nation mourns as the devastating consequences of a jade mine collapse continue to unravel in northern Myanmar’s Kachin State. The death toll has now tragically reached 33, as confirmed by local police on Wednesday.

The harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday, with the collapse occurring around 3:00 p.m. local time. The ill-fated event transpired near Ma Na Village in Hpakant, a pivotal hub within Myanmar’s jade industry. With over 30 individuals reported missing in the aftermath, the gravity of the situation was palpable.

Intensive rescue operations, spanning three days, have been underway in a race against time. As the search efforts continued, the somber truth became apparent – 33 bodies have been successfully recovered from the wreckage. A police officer stationed in Hpakant expressed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the exact number of missing individuals. Local accounts indicated that 36 people were unaccounted for, a number that could potentially surge as rescue operations persist.

The quest for survivors has been marked by determination, resilience, and heartache. A resident of the Hpakant area, Tarlin Mg, conveyed the relentless efforts of rescuers. He disclosed that eight additional bodies were discovered on Wednesday – seven during the morning and one in the evening. This grim discovery bolstered the toll of lives claimed by the tragedy to a heart-wrenching 33.

Despite the fervent search, the challenges of the terrain and the unpredictable nature of the rubble have led to sporadic pauses in the rescue efforts. Tarlin Mg revealed that rescue operations concluded at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, with the intention to recommence the arduous task on the following day.