At least 31 miners killed in a mudslide in Africa

A mudslide at an illegal gold mine in west Africa's Burkina Faso has claimed the lives of at least 31 miners, reports said.

A mudslide at an illegal gold mine in west Africa's Burkina Faso has claimed the lives of at least 31 miners, reports said on Sunday.

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The BBC, quoting state-run radio, said the accident took place on Saturday in Boussoukoula, in the south-west, following heavy rain.

Rescue teams and survivors were digging through the mine, reports said.

The mine was operating despite a government order to close all mines during the rainy season, which lasts until the end of September.

The hastily dug tunnels are susceptible to collapse during the rains.

Some 200,000 people are believed to be working in illegal gold mines in the country.