Manado, Indonesia—A massive landslide buried a mining operation in North Sulawesi early today. The slide occurred around 7:30 AM following intense rainfall that destabilized the mountain slope. One worker was confirmed dead after rescuers recovered the body from the debris.

Heavy mud and rock trapped several pieces of machinery at the bottom of the pit. Co-workers managed to escape the path of the falling earth by fleeing to the ridgeline. Emergency responders arrived several hours later due to the remote nature of the terrain.

Regional authorities are now investigating whether the site was operating with all required safety permits. The slope had shown signs of erosion throughout the week. Residents nearby reported hearing a deep rumble before the ground gave way.

Recovery crews are still working to clear the primary access route to the site. They are using manual shovels and basic tools because heavy excavators cannot reach the collapsed sector. The risk of secondary slides remains high as light rain continues to fall.

Police have cordoned off the area to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the danger zone. They are currently interviewing site managers to establish the timeline of the collapse. No other casualties have been reported, but the search continues.

This disaster highlights the ongoing conflict between industrial needs and geological stability in the region. Local activists have warned about the lack of slope reinforcement at this specific location for months. Now, the impact of that neglect is clear.

The victim’s body has been transported to the nearest city hospital for a post-mortem examination. Family members have gathered at the facility to wait for news. The site remains closed until a full geological assessment is completed.

Officials have not indicated when work at the site might resume. Further inspections are expected to take place once the weather clears. The focus remains on stabilizing the area to ensure no further collapses occur.