11 miners die after a landslide in Vatomadry, Madagascar

A landslide in Vatomandry, Madagascar that claimed 11 lives on June 2, 2026. Credit: Sophie ratsiraka Eleven miners were killed on June 2 after a landslide struck an illegal gold mine in Vatomadry in eastern Madagascar. The incident occurred in the village of Niherenana at around local time (LT). The miners reportedly dug a pit at the site at approximately LT and were illegally mining inside when part of it collapsed, burying them under the mud. Locals alerted the authorities upon discovering the incident. Search and rescue operations began at around LT and lasted until LT when all bodies had been recovered. “In this moment of pain, my colleagues and I send our deepest condolences to the families and pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace,” Sophie Ratsiraka, the elected deputy of Vatomandry, said. Most of the victims were residents of communities surrounding the accident site. They came from Ilaka Est, Vavatenina, and Tanambao Manampotsy. According to available information, the youngest victim was 21 years old, and the oldest was 49. References: 1 Gold miners: 11 people killed in a landslide – NEWSMADA – June 3, 2026 Rishav Kothari I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.