In Burma: More than a hundred Dead in landslide in a Jade mine

In the case of a serious landslide in a Jade Mine in Burma have been killed by the national fire service, according to at least 113 people. More were trapped after the accident and at least 23 more have been injured, said the members of Parliament of the Region of Hpakant, Khin Maung Myint, the German press Agency. As Chinese media reported on Twitter, was like a part of a 304-Meter-high cliff together. The trigger for the landslide to the heavy monsoon rain that had triggered a "wave of mud" was, according to the fire Department. According to a local police official, the search for other Victims was halted due to heavy rainfall, for the time being.

Till Fähnders

Political correspondent for Southeast Asia.

The Internet of Videos to come of the disaster. They showed how a power from the earth flowed into a kind of lake where waves are triggered. The misfortune has happened to the information after on Thursday, at eight o'clock in the morning in the village of Sate Mu in the circle of Hpakant. Hpakant in Northern Myanmar state of Kachin is one of the most important mining areas of the "green gold". From the green Jade precious stone expensive jewelry is produced.

In the Jade-mines, it always comes back to devastating accidents. Just a few days ago two men were killed and six were injured. The prospect of quick money attracts every year thousands of people, the poor working conditions and lack of safety precautions in the mines and toil. Many illegal immigrants are living there and trying, at the edge of the mines, or in the night at the Jade approach or pick her up when she falls of tippers working down.

military benefits

Burma is the largest producer of green Jade in the world. According to estimates by the human rights organization Global Witness, the of business per year brings in more than $ 30 billion, almost half of the gross domestic product of Burma. The official Figures are much lower, since much of the business is conducted in Secret.

In the context of the Jademinen blooms in addition, the illegal business with drugs and Prostitution. Among the profiteers of the business with the Jade, the military, the exercises in Burma and politically is still a large influence especially. In the state of Kachin military and rebel armies for years to. In the conflict it is also about the control over natural resources. In addition to Jade is mined in Kachin Gold.