Kathmandu— Thirteen people were killed and seven injured when a landslide struck an illegal gold mine in the southwest of Colombia on Wednesday night, according to government officials. The incident occurred in the Narino department after a slope collapsed onto miners due to ongoing mining activity. This tragedy comes as Colombia continues to recover from a recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has already claimed 319 lives and injured thousands.

Deadly Slope Collapse

Fredy Gamez, the government secretary for the Narino department, explained to Caracol Radio that the landslide was directly caused by activity within the mine itself, leading to a collapse of the slope onto those working there. The mine was operating illegally, adding to the dangers faced by those involved in unregulated mining practices.

Earthquake Recovery Efforts Ongoing

The disaster occurred less than two weeks after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10th. According to the country’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, the earthquake has resulted in at least 319 deaths and thousands of injuries, stretching the nation's resources as it responds to multiple crises.

Economic Concerns Following Earthquake

In the wake of the earthquake, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella requested that the United States, Colombia’s top export market, temporarily suspend tariffs. The move is intended to alleviate economic pressure on business owners struggling in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Authorities have not released details regarding potential safety inspections or enforcement actions related to illegal mining operations in the Narino department following this incident.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.