Tragic Landslide in Papua New Guinea Claims Over 670 Lives, UN Reports
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolds in the mountainous terrain of northern Papua New Guinea as more than 670 individuals are feared to have lost their lives in a catastrophic landslide. The Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the country has provided estimates of the devastating impact of this natural disaster, highlighting the immense scale of the human loss and devastation.
More than 670 people are feared dead after a massive landslide in a remote area in northern Papua New Guinea, according to a UN official. Rescuers are working hard to search for any survivors.
In Yambali village, over 150 houses have been buried in debris, as reported by Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the country.
The UN initially believed over 100 people had died earlier in the week, but the new estimate shows a sharp increase.
At first, the village was thought to have around 4,000 residents. However, new estimates reveal that the actual number of people living there is much higher, according to Aktoprak.
Over 250 houses have been evacuated, leading to around 1,250 people being displaced. Many residents have found temporary shelter with family and friends in the area, as reported by the official.
The situation remains dangerous, with an ongoing "extreme risk" due to falling rocks and the ground being under constant pressure. Aktoprak mentioned that locals are using digging sticks, spades, and agricultural forks to uncover bodies buried in the soil.
The remote village of Kaokalam, located about 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby, was struck by a disaster at around 3 a.m. local time on Friday. The aftermath left a trail of debris that humanitarian workers estimate to be as large as four football pitches.
Images captured by AFP revealed a wide expanse of mud and rocks scattered across a steep mountainside slope, with local residents searching desperately for any survivors amidst the devastation.
Papua New Guinea is a Pacific nation with a population of around 10 million people. Despite being rich in resources, the country's economy has lagged behind its neighbors, and it has one of the highest crime rates globally.
The country is home to hundreds of tribes scattered across its remote and challenging terrain. The vast and diverse mountainous landscape, coupled with a lack of infrastructure such as roads, has made it challenging and expensive to improve essential services like water, electricity, and sanitation.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea has left a devastating toll on the remote village of Yambali. With over 670 people feared dead, the situation is heartbreaking. Rescuers are working tirelessly to search for survivors, but the ongoing risk of falling rocks and unstable ground makes their efforts perilous. The number of victims is expected to rise as the search continues, and the true extent of the tragedy becomes clearer.
The loss of life in Yambali is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea. The country's rugged terrain, lack of infrastructure, and poverty make it vulnerable to natural disasters and hinder recovery efforts. The international community must provide support to Papua New Guinea as it grapples with this tragedy and works to prevent future disasters. The government must prioritize disaster preparedness and invest in infrastructure to mitigate the impact of natural hazards and protect the lives of its citizens.
