Mine Collapses And  Kills Over 200 in DR Congo

More than 200 people were killed after a mine collapsed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to authorities in North Kivu.

The collapse occurred on Wednesday in the town of Rubaya after heavy rainfall caused the ground to give way. Lumumba Kambere Muyisa, spokesman for the rebel-appointed governor of North Kivu, said the death toll was still being assessed as search efforts continued.

Women and children were among those working inside the mine.

A former supervisor of the site told the BBC the mine lacked proper maintenance, which increased the risk of collapse and slowed rescue efforts. He said the fragile soil worsened the danger.

Congolese authorities blamed the deaths on rebel control of the area, accusing armed groups of allowing illegal mining without safety standards. The government said mining in Rubaya was banned last year, although the site was already under rebel control.

Around 20 survivors are receiving hospital treatment.

Rubaya lies in territory held by the M23 rebel group, which the United Nations says is backed by Rwanda. Rwanda has denied the claim.

The mines in Rubaya contain about 15 percent of the world’s coltan supply and remain a key source of conflict-linked minerals.