Myanmar: Landslides kill at least 17 people in Kachin state May 4

Event

A landslide left at least 17 people dead in Hpakant district (Kachin state) on Friday, May 4. The landslide was reportedly caused by the collapse of an embankment due to unregulated jade mining, of which thousands of itinerant Burmese laborers have recently participated in northern Myanmar. Additional deadly landslides are possible in the affected area in the coming weeks.

Context

Several deadly landslides caused by jade mining have hit the Hpakant area in recent years, including one which left over 100 people dead in November 2015.

Advice

Individuals in the affected area of northern Myanmar are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.