Papua New Guinea landslide
Melbourne: More than 100 people are feared dead due to a landslide in a remote area of Papua New Guinea on Friday morning. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the landslide occurred at around 3 am in the Enga province, about 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, the capital of this South Pacific island country. People have described a horrific scene regarding the landslide.
The scene was horrifying
People living in the surrounding areas say that there was a loud sound and people were buried under fallen mountain rocks and trees. Residents of the area say that the death toll could be more than 100. However, officials have not confirmed this figure. Some villagers and local media said that the number of people who lost their lives could be much higher but they did not cite sources.
There is difficulty in relief and rescue work
Sherhan Aktoprak, head of the International Organization for Migration’s mission in the country, said the landslide occurred in the village of Yambali. He said a road leading to Yambali was blocked, hampering relief efforts. “The ground is still sliding so it is difficult to work there,” he said. ABC previously gave the name of the affected village as Kaoklam.
PM Marape expressed grief
Prime Minister James Marape said the administration was working and would release details of the devastation and death toll as soon as they were available. “I have not been fully informed about the situation yet. I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the landslide disaster,” he said in a statement. “We are sending disaster officials, PNG Defense Force and Public Works and Highways officials to begin relief work, locate bodies and rebuild infrastructure,” he said.
Australia came forward to help
Papua New Guinea’s neighbor Australia said it was ready to help. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong wrote on social media, “We send our heartfelt condolences to the people of Papua New Guinea after the landslide. The devastation and loss of life is enormous. As a friend and ally, Australia is ready to assist in relief and rescue efforts.” (AP)
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