Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The death toll from a flooded mine in Nadu, Tiandong county, in the Guangxi Zhuang region of southern China has risen to seven of the 57 minors blocked within the mine at the time of the flood.
Currently there are 29 other miners trapped underground with hopes for their survival growing dimmer by the hour. Rescue workers are battling against time but the situation is increasingly critical. The exact number of miners underground at the time of the tragic accident is still unclear: some sources place 57, others 56, while others still talk of 99 miners. A government spokesman has reiterated that the exact number is 57.
Over 800 volunteers have flocked to Nadu to help with relief operations, but local authorities are appealing for provincial reinforcements. The accident happened Monday and only 21 of the workers succeeded in getting out alive. Survivors trapped underground are being provided with water and food but diminishing oxygen combined with their progressive weakening could be fatal.
Last year an estimated 3,800 people died in China’s mines: the grave financial crises and lack of access to raw materials has resulted in increased output to the detriment of the workers, once again the weak link in the commercial chain.