Scientists say Japan's last big earthquake has increased the risk of others. "It’s the same as when one person in a line of people holding hands falls – then those around him are likely to get pulled down too," said researcher Shinichi Saka.

Kruger National Park is a massive stretch of land in northern South Africa, bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and covering an area the size of Wales.

The landslide took place at about 3 am, and miners reported waking up to rocks and debris falling on the roofs of their huts. According to reports, 16 people were pulled out from the rubble and rushed to hospital for treatment.

More bodies are expected to be found, but Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster rescue agency, said there were no reliable figures on how many people were missing.