INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The head of Sungai Abu village, Padri Wanto, confirmed that 11 residents have died as a result of a landslide, believed to have occurred at an illegal gold mining site on Thursday (September 26, 2024) in Hiliran Gumanti, Solok, West Sumatra.
“As of tonight, at 11:44 PM WIB, the number of recorded fatalities is 11 people,” stated Padri Wanto in Sungai Abu on Friday (September 27, 2024), as reported by Antara.
In addition to the fatalities, data gathered from the community, volunteers, and village officials indicated that eight miners sustained serious injuries, while three others suffered minor injuries.
Read Also: Landslide at Gold Mine in Solok Claims 15 Lives
Padri provided the names of the deceased: Sat (35), Desriwandi (48), Doris (30), Yedrimen (44), Yusrizal (44), Ilham (25), Zil (31), Indra (18), Ambra (29), Don, and Sakir.
He explained that the difficult terrain, inaccessible to both four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles, significantly hampers the evacuation efforts carried out by the community, volunteers, and joint teams.
When asked if the site was known for illegal gold mining activities, Padri stated he was unaware of such operations occurring in the village he oversees. “That is beyond our knowledge. We did not know there were such activities (illegal gold mining). What we know is there are disaster victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hasan Basrial (52), a relative of Don, one of the deceased from South Solok, learned of the tragic news on Friday afternoon. The disaster occurred on Thursday (September 26, 2024), in the evening.
According to his account, the travel time from the nearest accessible location to the scene takes approximately four to seven hours. “I am waiting for the body of Don from South Solok. His occupation here was as a gold miner,” he mentioned.
This tragic event befell several residents who were active in the mining area of Nagari Sungai Abu, Hiliran Gumanti, Solok, West Sumatra. The landslide buried the miners under the debris.
Irwan Effendi, Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Solok, confirmed the landslide incident occurred on Thursday (September 26, 2024), around 5:00 PM WIB.
“The landslide caused several residents who were working in the mine to be trapped under the earth,” Irwan conveyed through a text message on Friday (September 27, 2024). He noted that the mining site is very remote and difficult to access, requiring about 5 hours of walking from Nagari Sungai Abu to reach the mine area.
“The evacuation process could take up to 8 hours to reach the village,” he added.
According to preliminary reports, 15 fatalities have been recorded, with 11 bodies successfully recovered while 4 bodies remain buried. Additionally, three individuals sustained injuries, while 25 others are still unaccounted for and trapped under the landslide debris.
FAQ: Landslide at Gold Mine in Solok
1. What caused the landslide in Solok?
The landslide occurred at an illegal gold mining site in Sungai Abu, Hiliran Gumanti, Solok, West Sumatra, on September 26, 2024. The specific cause of the landslide is still under investigation.
2. How many casualties were reported?
As of the latest reports, 11 people have been confirmed dead, with additional reports indicating that the total number of fatalities could reach 15.
3. How many people were injured in the incident?
Eight miners sustained serious injuries, while three others suffered minor injuries due to the landslide.
4. What challenges did rescue teams face during the evacuation?
Rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the remote location of the mining site, which is difficult to access by vehicles. The terrain requires a four to seven-hour journey on foot from the nearest road, complicating evacuation efforts.
5. Were the miners operating legally?
The mining site is believed to be an illegal gold mining operation, and the local village head, Padri Wanto, indicated that he was unaware of any illegal mining activities in the area.
6. What efforts are being made to recover the remaining victims?
Rescue operations are ongoing to recover the remaining victims, with local authorities and volunteers working together despite the challenging conditions.
7. Who confirmed the number of casualties?
The head of Sungai Abu village, Padri Wanto, confirmed the number of casualties, along with the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Solok, Irwan Effendi.
8. What is being done for the families of the victims?
While specific measures for supporting the families of the victims have not been detailed, local authorities and community members are likely to provide assistance in the aftermath of this tragic event.
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