Burmese flash floods kill at least 30
Updated on 08 July 2009
At least 30 people were killed when a landslide caused by torrential rain swept away homes in Burma.
The dwellings were built on a dump at Lonkhin Jade Mine near Phakant - around 1,500km (930 miles) north of Rangoon.
A jade merchant said: "So far as we heard from our field offices, about 30 people were killed when their houses built on the mine dump were swept away in the flash flood caused by torrential rain on July 4."
And an official added: "We also heard there were some casualties in the landslide, which came last Saturday after it had rained heavily for about four days.
"The road between Lonkhin and Phakant remains blocked and inaccessible."
Such accidents are common in the rainy season in that area, known for Burma's famous ruby and jade. At least 20 people were killed in flash floods in Moegok and Phakant in June and July last year.
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