Reports indicate that more than 100 people have tragically lost their lives in a landslide that occurred in a remote area of Papua New Guinea. The disaster struck Enga province, roughly 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, early in the morning, burying a village under boulders and trees.
Although estimates suggest a death toll exceeding 100, the exact number has not been confirmed. The International Organization for Migration’s mission chief in Papua New Guinea stated that Yambali village, located near Enga’s provincial capital of Wabag, was severely impacted by the landslide.
The disaster has blocked access to the affected area, hindering relief efforts. The chief expressed concerns about the ongoing landslide making operations challenging and emphasized the immediate need for shelter, food, and water for the affected residents.
Authorities, including Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, have initiated a response to the tragedy. Australia has also offered assistance in relief and recovery efforts.
Social media videos show residents working to retrieve bodies from the debris. The devastating event has left many homes destroyed, creating challenges in accessing necessary supplies for the affected communities.
The difficult terrain in the region has made it hard to assess the full extent of the damage, with some residents fearing the loss of their loved ones. The lack of communication infrastructure in Papua New Guinea’s remote areas adds to the challenges in coordinating relief efforts.