Devastating Landslide in Papua New Guinea
Reports from Papua New Guinea reveal a heartbreaking tragedy as more than 670 individuals are feared to have lost their lives due to a catastrophic landslide that struck a village in the region. The UN migration agency official, Serhan Aktoprak, shared the grim news, stating that over 150 houses have been buried under the debris, and the death toll is estimated to be over 670.
Urgent Situation and Ongoing Risks
The situation on the ground is dire, with the land still in motion and water exacerbating the risks for those involved in the rescue efforts. Aktoprak, stationed in Port Moresby, emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the immediate dangers faced by the community.
Impact and Displacement
More than 1,000 individuals have been displaced from the village, which was once a bustling community. The disaster has not only claimed lives but has also destroyed food gardens and water supplies, leaving the survivors in a vulnerable state.
Rescue Efforts and Recovery
Local residents are tirelessly using whatever tools they have at their disposal, such as digging sticks, spades, and agricultural forks, to unearth and recover the bodies buried beneath the soil. The community is coming together to support each other in this time of immense tragedy.
Visuals from the Ground
Images from the site of the landslide in Maip Mulitaka in Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province depict the scale of the devastation and the efforts of locals to navigate through the aftermath of the disaster.