More Than 200 Die After Massive Landslide At Congo’s Rubaya Mine, Women And Kids Trapped

Africa: Heartbreaking news has come from the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. More than 200 people died due to a sudden mudslide in a coltan mine in Rubaya. According to local officials, the death toll could reach 227. After the accident, there was a hue and cry in the entire area. Many families are still waiting for their loved ones.

After all, what happened that day?

The ground was already soft after continuous rain on Wednesday. The workers were working as usual in the mine pits. Then suddenly the soil above slipped, and within no time the entire part fell down. The people who were below did not get a chance to get out. Within a few minutes everything was reduced to debris.

Were only laborers present there?

A small market is also organized around the mine. Women were selling goods, children were also playing here and there. They were also in the same area at the time of the accident. This is the reason why not only miners but also common people are included in the dead.

What is the condition of the injured?

About 20 people were pulled out alive, but seriously injured. They are being treated in nearby health centres. The rescue team is still removing the debris. Local people fear that the number may increase further.

Why is this mine of Rubaya considered so important?

This area is known for coltan. Tantalum comes from this mineral, which is used in mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. That means the raw materials of the things we use daily come from here. But the workers working here work in very difficult and unsafe conditions.

Did lack of security arrangements worsen the situation?

Local people say that there are neither solid walls nor proper monitoring in the mines. Most digging is done by hand. Mudslides are common during rains. In such a situation, there is danger every day, but people go to work under compulsion because this is their livelihood.

Is this area occupied by any rebel group?

According to reports, the area is under the control of the M23 rebel group. There has been a dispute going on for a long time regarding the income from minerals. The situation was already tense, and now this accident has increased the problems further.

What is the biggest question after this tragedy?

The question is simple. Is the value of workers' lives so low? When will these mines, which meet the needs of the world, finally be safe? Unless the situation on the ground changes, such accidents will continue to make news and innocent lives will continue to be lost.