DR Congo Miners Trapped as Rescuers Dig Barehanded Amid Chaos

In the wake of a catastrophic landslide in DR Congo, rescue workers are facing significant challenges as they attempt to save trapped miners from beneath the rubble, with concerns over unregulated mining practices and safety in conflict-ridden areas.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern South Kivu province, frantic rescue efforts are taking place as community members dig with their bare hands, trying to save miners trapped underground after a landslide closed several mining shafts. Since the disaster struck in the early hours of Sunday, at least six individuals have been rescued, although reports claim some are seriously injured, according to local journalist Ashuza Barack who spoke with the BBC.

The area around Lomera has seen an influx of miners following the discovery of gold at the end of last year, attracting thousands. This sudden rush for resources has turned the previously quiet village into a chaotic network of mineshafts without proper safety measures, leading to the recent disaster. While rescue operations have revealed conflicting reports about the death toll—residents mentioning up to twelve bodies and Barack asserting no bodies have been discovered—the urgency for effective rescue remains high.

Compounding the situation, the region has fallen under the control of M23 rebel forces, which gained significant ground earlier this year, leading to safety standards being ignored and unregulated mining activities prevailing. Reporter Barack has indicated that many miners are still trapped, highlighting the inadequacy of rescue equipment as they attempt to clear the dangerous debris and rocks obsturing access.

Eyewitness accounts detail how survivors have shared their frustrations, stating that the exhaustive digging has yet to reveal any bodies. In light of the chaos, M23 officials have intervened to halt mining in certain areas, underlining the dangerous conditions that have persisted due to ongoing conflict and instability in this mineral-rich region of DR Congo.