DHAKA: As many as 50 people are feared dead after another landslide at gold and jade mines in northern Myanmar, a local official said on Saturday.

The latest spill of waste rock accumulated during the mining process occurred near jade mines in Kachin state, 350 kilometres north of Mandalay, where at least 115 people were killed in a landslide in late November, reports the bangkokpost.com

"We start searching and rescuing people this morning, and found five bodies. According to witnesses, about 50 people are still missing," said Tint Swe Myint, administrator of Hpakant town.

The region around Hpakant produces up to 90% of the world's jade, which is in high demand in neighboring China.

BDST: 1045 HRS, DEC 26, 2015
RS