In the Delanta district, located in northern Ethiopia, a rescue operation is underway following the collapse of a cave that trapped more than 20 artisanal miners.
According to available information, the incident took place three days ago when the miners were searching for opal gemstones. The exact number of people trapped is not clear and the difficult terrain makes rescue efforts particularly difficult, as reported by the BBC.
Hundreds of villagers have mobilized to dig openings to gain access to the miners, but the layout of the village makes the use of support machinery impossible.
So far, rescue attempts have been unsuccessful, but authorities remain hopeful of finding survivors. They are based in particular on a previous incident where a miner was found alive after being buried in a cave for seven days.
This situation highlights the difficulties and risks faced by artisanal miners in their quest for valuable resources. These workers, often lacking adequate training and equipment, are exposed to dangerous working conditions. This incident also highlights the importance of improving safety standards in this area.
It is essential to put in place accident prevention measures and strengthen regulatory controls to protect the lives of miners. Additionally, there is a need to raise awareness about the need to support responsible mining practices in order to avoid such tragic incidents.
As rescue efforts continue, it is essential that the international community mobilizes to support the Ethiopian authorities in this operation. By providing technical assistance and sharing best rescue practices, it is possible to maximize the chances of finding survivors and ensuring the safety of miners in the future.
In conclusion, this tragedy highlights the urgent need to improve the working conditions of artisanal miners and strengthen safety measures in the mining industry. It is essential to promote responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the safety and well-being of these often vulnerable workers.