On Saturday, local media outlets reported a devastating landslide in a remote village in northern Papua New Guinea. The catastrophe buried over 300 individuals and more than 1,100 homes under rubble.
The landslide struck Kaokalam village in Enga Province, approximately 600 km (370 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, around 3 a.m. on Friday (1900 GMT on Thursday), leaving hundreds feared dead.
According to the Papua New Guinea Post Courier, which cited comments from a member of the country’s parliament, Aimos Akem, the landslide engulfed the village, causing extensive destruction.
The disaster has affected more than six villages in the Mulitaka region of Enga Province, as stated by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on Saturday. The DFAT spokesperson emphasized that Australia’s High Commission in Port Moresby is closely liaising with authorities to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
Reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corp indicate that emergency teams have recovered four bodies from the area, but the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The landslide has severed highway access, necessitating helicopter assistance to reach the affected area, as reported by the broadcaster.
Social media footage shared by a villager, Ninga Role, depicts scenes of devastation, with people navigating through debris and searching for survivors amidst the wreckage. Prime Minister James Marape has assured that disaster response agencies, the Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways are actively involved in relief and recovery efforts.
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