More than 670 people are feared dead following a catastrophic landslide in a remote region of northern Papua New Guinea, according to a UN official. Rescue efforts are ongoing as searchers strive to find survivors amidst the devastation.
The Disaster Unfolds
The landslide buried more than 150 houses in Yambali village, said Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Papua New Guinea, on Sunday. This new estimate marks a significant increase from earlier in the week when the UN initially reported over 100 fatalities.
The village’s population was first thought to be about 4,000, but recent estimates indicate a higher number of residents. The disaster has led to the evacuation of more than 250 houses, displacing an estimated 1,250 people, many of whom have found temporary shelter with relatives and friends nearby.
Continuing Risks and Challenges
The area remains extremely hazardous, with ongoing rockfalls and exposed soil under constant pressure, Aktoprak noted. Rescuers are using basic tools such as digging sticks, spades, and agricultural forks to recover bodies from beneath the soil.
The landslide struck the remote village of Kaokalam, approximately 600 kilometers (372 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, around 3 a.m. local time on Friday. The landslide left a massive trail of debris, reportedly as large as four football fields, according to humanitarian workers.
Local and International Response
Footage from the aftermath, provided by AFP, showed a wide expanse of mud and rocks on a steep mountainside with locals desperately searching for survivors. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed the local community, and international aid is being mobilized.
Context and Background
Papua New Guinea, a Pacific nation with a population of around 10 million, is rich in natural resources but has long struggled economically compared to its neighbors. The country also suffers from one of the highest crime rates in the world. Its challenging terrain, with hundreds of tribes spread across remote areas, complicates the delivery and maintenance of basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Updates
This tragic event highlights the difficulties faced by Papua New Guinea in disaster response and recovery. As search and rescue operations continue, further updates will be provided on the situation.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.