At least 29 people have been confirmed dead following a landslide at an illegal gold mining site in Angola, authorities said.
The tragic incident occurred after heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of soil at the informal mining location, trapping dozens of miners who were reportedly working at the site without official authorization.
Emergency responders and local residents launched rescue efforts shortly after the collapse, but difficult terrain and unstable ground conditions hampered operations. Several victims were recovered from the debris, while fears remain that more people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Government officials described the incident as one of the deadliest mining-related disasters recorded in the area in recent years. Authorities have also renewed warnings against illegal mining activities, which continue to pose serious safety and environmental risks across parts of Angola.
Illegal mining operations are common in several African countries where unemployment and poverty push many people into dangerous informal extraction work. These sites often operate without proper safety measures, increasing the likelihood of accidents such as tunnel collapses and landslides.
Local officials said investigations have begun to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the disaster, while efforts continue to identify the victims and provide support to affected families.
The Angolan government has repeatedly pledged to crack down on illegal mining networks and improve monitoring of unauthorized extraction activities. However, enforcement challenges and economic pressures have made the practice difficult to eliminate completely.
The latest tragedy has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by informal miners and the urgent need for stronger safety regulations and alternative economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
