At least 14 workers die after gold mine collapse in Venezuela

At least 14 people died after a gold mine collapsed in the southern Venezuelan municipality of El Callao following heavy rains in the area, emergency officials said on Monday (13).

Firefighters and the Zoedan (Operational Zones for Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis) agency stated that recovery efforts are ongoing. Rescue teams have already found bodies in three separate mining shafts, and an emergency command post has been set up to "coordinate recovery operations for the 14 dead," according to the official report.

"The first phase of work is to pump all wells in the sector to reduce the water level and then assess rescue efforts," emergency authorities said in a social media post.

According to local media, heavy rains since Sunday have caused flooding in the region, and due to the massive accumulation of water, the mine structure collapsed with workers inside. Only after drainage is completed will it be possible to assess the extent of the destruction.

According to the fire department, the death toll could rise, and is also based on the testimony of other miners who work in the region.

Gold, copper, diamond, and other high-value mineral mines have become more common in Venezuela . However, there are often complaints about degrading working conditions and a lack of necessary operating permits.

The city of El Callao relies heavily on gold mining. A large portion of its approximately 30,000 inhabitants work directly or indirectly in this market.