In Papua New Guinea, the aftermath of a devastating landslide has left a trail of destruction, with the death toll now feared to be much higher than initially estimated. According to emergency officials, as many as 2,000 people may have been buried alive in the disaster.
The scale of the devastation has made access to the affected area challenging, delaying rescue and salvage operations. The Papua New Guinea government has reported that over 2,000 individuals have lost their lives, highlighting the magnitude of the tragedy.
The landslide struck a remote village in the early hours of the morning, catching residents unaware as they slept in their homes. Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of losing numerous family members under the debris, leaving them feeling helpless and in urgent need of assistance.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by the difficult terrain and ongoing landslips, posing risks to both rescue teams and survivors. The community affected by the disaster consists mainly of subsistence farmers living in homes constructed with basic materials, making them vulnerable to natural disasters of this scale.
The exact cause of the landslide remains unknown, with speculations ranging from seismic activity in the earthquake-prone region to heavy rainfall and potential deforestation exacerbating the situation. The road to the disaster area has been blocked by the landslide, further complicating relief efforts and access to the affected community.
The Disaster Management Center has reached out to the United Nations and international aid organizations for support, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance in the face of the ongoing crisis. The unstable conditions in the area continue to pose challenges, underscoring the critical need for coordinated efforts to aid the stricken community.
