Aerial and Ground Images Unveil Extent of Destruction from Recent Landslide in Papua New Guinea
Recent aerial and ground images have unveiled the vast magnitude of a destructive landslide in Papua New Guinea, where up to 2,000 individuals are feared buried under debris. The comprehensive imagery showcases the widespread devastation caused by the natural disaster.
The extent of the destructive landslide in Papua New Guinea, which has trapped up to 2,000 individuals under debris, has been unveiled through aerial and ground images.
Comparisons between satellite pictures taken before and after the landslide depict a significant portion of the mountainous Enga region completely displaced.
A satellite image provides a closer look at a hillside in Yambali village, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, before a landslide occurred on June 27, 2023. 
This image was taken by Maxar Technologies and provided via REUTERS. Please note that this image has been supplied by a third party and should not be resold or archived. Credit must be given to the source and the logo should not be obscured.
Maxar Technologies/Reuters
A satellite image shows a closer view of the landslide in Yambali village, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, May 27, 2024. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO.
A closer view of the landslide in Yambali village, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on May 27, 2024, is shown in a satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies. Remember, this image is from a third party and should not be resold or archived. Credit must be given to Maxar Technologies/Reuters and their logo should not be covered.
Satellite images show the landslide in Yambali village, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.
Maxar Technologies/Reuters
The vast size of the slide is even more noticeable when viewed from the ground. Over 150 homes in Yambali village were covered in debris, according to officials on Sunday. The National Disaster Center of the country reported that nearly 2,000 people were feared to be trapped under the rubble.
The landslide occurred in the remote village of Kaokalam, located about 600 kilometers (372 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby, around 3 a.m. local time on Friday (1 p.m. Thursday ET). The aftermath left a trail of debris that humanitarian workers described as equivalent to four football fields.
The landslide essentially tore away a huge swathe of the mountainous landscape.
The landslide essentially tore away a huge swathe of the mountainous landscape.
The landslide hit while villagers were asleep, sending rocks and mud into their homes. Rescuers faced challenges reaching the remote area in one of Asia's poorest nations. As a result, villagers had to use whatever tools they had to dig through the collapsed mountainside.
Villagers sifted through rubble while awaiting rescue crews to arrive.
Villagers sifted through rubble while awaiting rescue crews to arrive.
Juho Valta/UNDP Papua New Guinea/AP
The area has remained unstable, with smaller landslides occurring regularly and endangering rescue workers, Sandis Tsaka told CNN.
Tsaka mentioned that large rocks and debris continue to fall beyond the initial landslide area, causing further impact. The government has instructed around 7,000 individuals to evacuate.
The region has been particularly difficult for responders to reach.
The region has been particularly difficult for responders to reach.
Juho Valta/UNDP Papua New Guinea/AP
Evit Kambu shared that she lost over a dozen family members in the disaster. She mentioned to Reuters, "I have 18 family members buried under the debris where I am standing, and more relatives in the village whose exact number I cannot even determine." Despite being the landowner, she expressed feeling helpless as she was unable to recover the bodies.
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 10 million people. The challenging terrain of vast mountains and limited road access have made it hard to reach the affected area.
Miok Michael, a local community leader, shared with CNN his belief that there may be few survivors. He mentioned, "People are coming together to grieve. They have been digging since the beginning, but it's difficult to find bodies because they are buried under large rocks. Heavy machinery will be needed to assist in the search."
Editor's P/S:
The devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left thousands of lives in the balance. The aerial and ground images of the disaster show the immense scale of the destruction, with a significant portion of the mountainous region completely displaced. The loss of life is staggering, with up to 2,000 people feared trapped under the debris.
The remote location of the landslide and the rugged terrain have made rescue efforts extremely challenging. Villagers have been forced to use whatever tools they have to dig through the collapsed mountainside, while rescuers face ongoing risks from smaller landslides and falling debris. The government has ordered the evacuation of around 7,000 people, but the region remains difficult to reach. The plight of those affected by this disaster is a reminder of the vulnerability of communities in remote areas and the importance of international aid and support in times of crisis.
