Rescuers exhausted all available methods to retrieve victims, but the unstable terrain poses a significant challenge to their efforts.
The death toll from the massive landslide in Papua New Guinea surged to an estimated 670, according to the International Organization for Migration on Sunday. The village of Yambali in the Enga province bore the brunt of the disaster, with nearly all of its structures obliterated by the early morning landslide on Friday, trapping numerous residents as they slept.
UN migration agency official Serhan Aktoprak reported that over 150 houses were buried under the rubble, with more than 670 individuals presumed dead. The precarious terrain and ongoing land movement compounded the dangers faced by rescuers, making the search for survivors perilous.
As relief efforts intensified, thousands of displaced individuals were relocated to safer areas amidst concerns over further landslides and tribal conflicts, which are not uncommon in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Initial estimates of casualties had ranged from 100 to 300, but the grim reality became apparent as authorities revised the figures upward.
Yambali, once home to over 4,000 residents and a hub for alluvial gold miners, now lies devastated, its inhabitants displaced and vital resources depleted. Evacuation centers were established on both sides of the debris field to provide shelter and aid to those affected.
Moreover, relief convoys faced additional challenges posed by tribal clashes along the route, further complicating the delivery of essential supplies. Despite the risks, Papua New Guinea soldiers provided security for the convoys, aiming to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by both the landslide and the ensuing violence.
The Enga province, nestled in the remote
northern region of Papua New Guinea, has historically been difficult to access,
exacerbating relief efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters. With the
area prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, the landslide serves as a stark
reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities in this region.
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