11 miners die after a landslide in Vatomadry, Madagascar
A landslide killed 11 miners in the Niherenana village of Vatomandry district in eastern Madagascar on June 2, 2026. The victims, aged between 21 and 49 years old, were illegally mining gold when the incident occurred.
A landslide in Vatomandry, Madagascar that claimed 11 lives on June 2, 2026. Credit: Sophie ratsiraka
Eleven miners were killed on June 2 after a landslide struck an illegal gold mine in Vatomadry in eastern Madagascar.
The incident occurred in the village of Niherenana at around 04:00 local time (LT). The miners reportedly dug a pit at the site at approximately 03:00 LT and were illegally mining inside when part of it collapsed, burying them under the mud.
Locals alerted the authorities upon discovering the incident. Search and rescue operations began at around 05:00 LT and lasted until 13:00 LT when all bodies had been recovered.
“In this moment of pain, my colleagues and I send our deepest condolences to the families and pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace,” Sophie Ratsiraka, the elected deputy of Vatomandry, said.
Most of the victims were residents of communities surrounding the accident site. They came from Ilaka Est, Vavatenina, and Tanambao Manampotsy. According to available information, the youngest victim was 21 years old, and the oldest was 49.
References:
1 Gold miners: 11 people killed in a landslide – NEWSMADA – June 3, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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