In the early hours of March 12, a devastating mud pond collapsed in Hpakant, Kachin State, as jade miners were at work, leaving a trail of victims and chaos in its wake. According to locals and humanitarian organizations, the search for the missing has been challenging, compounded by the difficulty in identifying the victims.

The absence of a comprehensive list of missing persons has added to the confusion, with control over such lists resting with workplace supervisors and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). 

A jade worker near the disaster site described the grim situation, mentioning the suspension of search and rescue efforts due to the daunting conditions. Despite efforts to recover bodies, including the use of heavy machinery, the scale of the mud pond collapsed has made it nearly impossible to locate and identify all victims.

Reports indicate that over 10 backhoes and approximately 20 dump trucks were engulfed by the mud, trapping their operators inside. Only a handful managed to escape, sustaining injuries that required medical attention. Among the survivors were Ko Phyo Wai, Kyauk Zin Wai, Hein Min Latt, and Sithu Myo, who were taken to Hpakant Hospital for treatment.

This tragic event echoes a similar mudslide in the same area on August 13, 2023, where 36 individuals went missing, with 33 bodies eventually recovered. As of March 13, two bodies have been recovered from the recent disaster, including one identified as U Myo Nyunt from Budalin Township.

The lack of transparency in managing information about the missing has compounded the anguish for families awaiting news of their loved ones. Efforts to bring closure to the affected communities are hindered by the ongoing challenges in search and recovery operations.