A devastating incident occurred in Migori County, Kenya, when several residential and commercial buildings collapsed into underground mining shafts in the Osiri Matanda gold mining village in Nyatike. The incident happened shortly before midnight, after the ground reportedly gave way beneath buildings in the mining area. The collapse has left families and residents waiting for information on people who may have been inside the buildings when they collapsed.
Migori County Government Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Natural Resources CEC Member Edwin Omondi confirmed that the county's Disaster Management team was at Matanda Mines in Macalder, Nyatike Sub-County, responding to the cave-in. According to Omondi, two residents are suspected to be trapped, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate them. The county has urged members of the public to keep away from the area to allow rescue teams to carry out the operation safely.
Kefas Ojuka, chairman of the Small-Scale Gold Miners Association in Nyatike, provided more details about the incident. He stated that the collapse happened at around 11 pm when many residents were asleep. Ojuka said several commercial structures, including a hotel and a gaming lounge, sank into the ground. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of mining operations in the area and the potential risks faced by residents.
The collapse has left a significant impact on the local community, with many residents awaiting heavy machinery and specialised equipment to support the rescue operation. No survivor had been retrieved by the time of Ojuka's statement. Emergency teams remained at the scene, working to determine the extent of the collapse and locate the suspected victims.
The incident has prompted a response from local authorities, with police expected to issue an official update on the incident after the rescue operation. The county government has deployed its Disaster Management team to the scene, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The community is anxiously waiting for news on the suspected victims.
The collapse of buildings into mine shafts is a significant concern in Migori County, where small-scale gold mining is a common practice. The incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and regulations in the mining industry to prevent such disasters. The local community is calling for increased support and resources to ensure the safe operation of mining activities.
As the rescue operation continues, the community is coming together to support those affected by the incident. Local authorities are working to provide assistance and support to families and residents impacted by the collapse. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and responsible mining practices in the region.
Key points
- Two residents are suspected to be trapped in the collapsed buildings.
- The incident occurred shortly before midnight, after the ground reportedly gave way beneath buildings in the mining area.
- Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the suspected victims, with support from local authorities and emergency services.
