On Friday, heavy rains in the northern Copperbelt province of Zambia triggered a mudslide that trapped dozens of illegal miners at an open-cast copper mine. Zambian officials have reported that they have been unable to locate the trapped illegal miners.
Rescue teams have been pumping water from the underground pits at the Sesili mine in Chingola but have not made contact with the miners.
President Hakainde Hichilema, who arrived back on Sunday from the COP28 conference in Dubai, said he was saddened by the “heartbreaking situation”
He sent his thoughts and prayers to affected families, adding that government efforts were being directed towards the rescue efforts.
The vice-president, Mutale Nalumango, said the incident at the Sesili mine was a “disaster”.
Rescue efforts are continuing. Illegal mining is common in Zambia, one of the world’s largest copper producers.