About 20 Jade Scavengers Buried in Landslide at A Mining Site in Lone Khin, Hpakant

Pajau Media

February 17, 2026

In Kachin State, at the 111 mining block in Kade Maw, Lone Khin village tract, Hpakant Township, a landslide occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on February 16. As a result, about 20 jade scavengers were buried in the debris, according to local residents.

“More than 20 people were initially buried, but as of now, more than 10 have still not been found,” locals said.

Search operations have begun, but rescue efforts are facing difficulties due to a lack of machinery and manpower. As of the morning of February 17, around 10 jade scavengers remain missing.

Currently, social assistance groups from Hpakant, including Thein Gaha Social Rescue Group, the Myanmar Rescue Organization, and other local volunteer associations, are continuing the search efforts.

In the Hpakant jade mining region of Kachin State, fighting is currently taking place. In addition, annual landslides frequently destroy mining sites and often result in the deaths of jade scavengers.

News – Hpring