Sulawesi, July 8, 2024 – A devastating landslide at an illegal gold mine on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has left at least 11 people dead and 19 others missing amid heavy rains. The incident, which took place on Sunday evening, was confirmed by local officials on Monday.

Herianto, the local head of Indonesia's rescue agency Basarnas, stated that the landslide struck the illegal mine, burying several residents from nearby areas. In response, 164 rescuers have been deployed to search for the missing. The rescue operation is also supported by members of the police and military forces. So far, five people have been rescued alive.

The Indonesian Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the landslide caused significant damage, including the destruction of many houses and a bridge in the area. The BNPB has warned local residents to remain vigilant as further heavy rains are expected in some parts of Gorontalo on Monday and Tuesday, which could potentially trigger additional landslides.

Illegal mining activities are common in Indonesia, often lacking proper safety measures, which increases the risk of such tragic incidents. The authorities have been trying to combat illegal mining operations but face challenges due to the lucrative nature of the industry and the remote locations of many of these mines.

The rescue efforts continue as authorities strive to locate and save the missing individuals, while the community remains on high alert for potential further natural disasters in the region.