A devastating landslide in a remote region in northern Papua New Guinea has left more than 670 people feared dead, according to a UN official. The rescuers are still scrambling to find survivors as the new estimate of casualties is a sharp increase from earlier reports when the UN believed that only around 100 people had died.
The Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the country, Serhan Aktoprak, mentioned that over 150 houses in Yambali village are buried in debris. The population of the village was initially reported to be around 4,000 people, but new estimates suggest that the actual number of residents is much higher. More than 250 houses have been evacuated, with an estimated 1,250 people displaced, and locals are taking temporary accommodation with relatives and friends nearby.
The area affected by the landslide continues to pose an “extreme risk” as rocks continue to fall and the ground soil is exposed to constant increased pressure. Workers are using digging sticks, spades, and agricultural forks to remove bodies buried under the soil. The disaster struck the remote village of Kaokalam, about 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby, early in the morning on Friday, leaving a massive scar of debris behind.
Papua New Guinea is rich in resources but has long trailed its neighbors in terms of economic development. It has one of the highest crime rates in the world and is home to hundreds of tribes spread across remote and inaccessible terrain. This makes it challenging and costly to upgrade basic services like water, electricity, and sanitation. The mountainous landscape and lack of infrastructure have also added to the difficulties in providing aid and relief in times of disasters like this one.
In conclusion, Papua New Guinea’s remote regions continue to face significant challenges due to their geographical location and lack of infrastructure. As such, any disaster that occurs can quickly become dire without proper aid and relief efforts being implemented promptly.
