Liberia recovers three bodies from mudslide disaster

Liberia has recovered three bodies from a mudslide which claimed the lives of over 45 illegal miners in the gold- and diamond-rich towns of Massakpa and Bamgoma in the western region of Liberia.

Emmanuel Swen, assistant minister at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, told journalists Tuesday afternoon that three bodies have been recovered, while rescue operations are ongoing to recover others trapped under the mud.

The deceased, according to the minister, were involved with illegal mining activities in the towns.

Swen disclosed that local authorities in the western region of Cape Mount are aiding rescue efforts.

Despite the region being rich in mineral deposits, people there are living in abject poverty. The county is also home to Kinjor Gold Mine, one of the largest gold deposits in West Africa.