At least 670 people are believed to have died in a landslide in Papua New Guinea, which struck a rural region of the island nation early Friday. The search-and-rescue efforts have been hindered by the difficult terrain and ongoing ground movement, making it challenging to reach the disaster site. Many survivors have been forced to abandon their homes due to the continuing danger posed by the shifting ground. Approximately 250 houses have been abandoned, and around 1,250 people have been displaced. The region, located in Enga Province, is densely populated and has a young population, leading authorities to fear that many of the fatalities will be children under the age of 15.
The local government has provided food and water for approximately 600 people affected by the landslide. A humanitarian convoy, including local officials and members of the International Organization for Migration, has been dispatched to the region to provide assistance. However, distribution efforts have been hampered by the ongoing instability of the land. Landslides, falling rocks, and cracking soil due to increased pressure and groundwater have made it difficult to deliver aid effectively. As of Sunday afternoon, no earth-moving equipment had arrived at the site, and people were using tools like spades and pitchforks to search for bodies buried in the rubble.
In addition to the landslide disaster, the region has also experienced tribal clashes in recent months. A quarrel between two clans on Saturday morning led to eight deaths and the burning of numerous houses. This ongoing conflict has raised safety concerns for individuals traveling on the only accessible road in the area. The combination of natural disasters and tribal disputes has created a volatile and dangerous situation for residents of the affected region. The local government and aid organizations are working to address the immediate needs of those impacted by the landslide, while also monitoring the potential for further conflicts in the area.
The landslide struck the village in the early hours of Friday, catching many residents off guard while they were sleeping. Some of the boulders that buried houses and blocked a major highway were described as being larger than shipping containers. The sheer force and magnitude of the landslide have caused widespread devastation and destruction in the affected area. The full extent of the human toll and property damage is still being assessed as search-and-rescue efforts continue. The local officials and rescue teams are racing against time to locate and rescue any survivors trapped under the rubble, while also providing support to displaced families and individuals in need. The recovery and rebuilding process in the aftermath of this devastating disaster will likely be long and challenging, requiring ongoing support and assistance from the government and humanitarian organizations.
