More than 100 people are feared dead after a devastating landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea. The Red Cross has reported that rescue efforts are underway but progressing slowly.
The landslide occurred in Kaokalam village, located in the highlands of Anger Province in the northern part of the country. The incident, which took place around 3 a.m., has resulted in the destruction of numerous houses, with one eyewitness describing the village as completely wiped out.
Images shared on social media depict villagers desperately searching through the debris for any signs of survivors. However, the challenging terrain, littered with large boulders, tree trunks, and collapsed buildings, is hindering rescue operations. The blocked highway leading to the community is further complicating access for emergency crews.
A Red Cross official suggested that a recent earthquake and heavy rainfall in the area may have triggered the deadly landslide. Prime Minister James Merape has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced the mobilization of disaster response teams, including the PNG Defence Force and the Department of Work and Highways, to aid in relief efforts, body recovery, and infrastructure reconstruction.
The scale of the disaster is immense, with the affected area estimated to be as large as three to four football fields. Many are concerned that the death toll could continue to rise as rescue operations continue.
