Mogok ruby city landslide kills 22, eight missing

Heavy rain caused landslide in Mogok, the land of ruby in Burma which killed at least 22 and missing 8 people this morning.

Mizzima-New Delhi: Incessant heavy rain since early morning of Thursday triggered landslides in Burma's ruby city killing 22 people. Eight people are missing, according to residents.

The heavy downpour started in the wee hours of 1 a.m. yesterday and over flowing water smashed the water bunker along the Yayni creek flooding the city which is known to produce the finest rubies, about 400 miles north or Rangoon. Several houses were destroyed; roads were inundated while landslides were triggered in some places.

Twenty two people were hospitalized, said a medical staff from Mogok Hospital on condition of anonymity. The eastern part of the town such as Laypay, Taungni, Thephyuwine, Ohnkine, Laioo quarters are the worst effected.

A resident who is helping in relief and rescue operations said eight people are still missing. The downpour continues in the land of the ruby and residents and volunteers recalled bitter experiences of landslides in the past.

The New Light of Myanmar, the official mouthpiece published a brief news on the disaster without even a mention of the death toll and destruction.

The ground where people gather to sell rubies and gems is strewn with debris. Residents said it will take time for things to normalise.

Floods are not unusual in Mogok town, which is prohibited for foreigners without special permission from the junta. The last flood occurred in August last year.

Well-informed residents complained of massive environmental damage due to mechanized gem mining by business companies.

"Gem miners are using machines which throw out all residuals into Yayni creek which causes floods easily. Despite building bunkers along the creek more and more debris from the mines are being heaped," a school teacher told Mizzima.