Africa: Heartbreaking news has come from the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. More than 200 people died due to a sudden mudslide in a coltan mine in Rubaya. According to local officials, the death toll could reach 227. Without the accident, there was a hue and cry in the unshortened area. Many families are still waiting for their loved ones.
After all, what happened that day?
The ground was once soft without continuous rain on Wednesday. The workers were working as usual in the mine pits. Then suddenly the soil whilom slipped, and within no time the unshortened part fell down. The people who were unelevated did not get a endangerment to get out. Within a few minutes everything was reduced to debris.
Were only laborers present there?
A small market is moreover organized virtually the mine. Women were selling goods, children were moreover playing here and there. They were also in the same zone at the time of the accident. This is the reason why not only miners but moreover worldwide people are included in the dead.
What is the condition of the injured?
About 20 people were pulled out alive, but seriously injured. They are stuff treated in nearby health centres. The rescue team is still removing the debris. Local people fear that the number may increase further.
Why is this mine of Rubaya considered so important?
This zone is known for coltan. Tantalum comes from this mineral, which is used in mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. That ways the raw materials of the things we use daily come from here. But the workers working here work in very difficult and unsafe conditions.
Did lack of security arrangements worsen the situation?
Local people say that there are neither solid walls nor proper monitoring in the mines. Most digging is washed-up by hand. Mudslides are worldwide during rains. In such a situation, there is danger every day, but people go to work under compulsion considering this is their livelihood.
Is this zone occupied by any rebel group?
According to reports, the zone is under the tenancy of the M23 rebel group. There has been a dispute going on for a long time regarding the income from minerals. The situation was once tense, and now this wrecking has increased the problems further.
What is the biggest question without this tragedy?
The question is simple. Is the value of workers' lives so low? When will these mines, which meet the needs of the world, finally be safe? Unless the situation on the ground changes, such accidents will protract to make news and innocent lives will protract to be lost.
