MELBOURNE, Australia – A Papua New Guinea government official has made a distressing revelation to the United Nations, sharing that over 2,000 individuals are feared to have been tragically buried alive in a devastating landslide that occurred last Friday. The confirmed death toll from the landslide in the mountainous region of the South Pacific island nation had previously stood at 670 according to U.N. estimates, but local authorities reported the recovery of only five bodies by Monday.
In a letter addressed to the United Nations resident coordinator on Sunday, Luseta Laso Mana, the acting director of Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Center, described the landslide’s catastrophic impact on Yambali village in Enga province, stating that it had buried more than 2,000 people alive and caused extensive destruction. The varying estimates of casualties following the disaster have posed challenges in accurately determining the number of people affected.
Efforts by the International Organization for Migration, the government, and other agencies are ongoing in response to the calamity, with the death toll remaining fluid as new evidence emerges. The challenging conditions in the affected area, including its remote location, lack of telecommunications, and tribal conflicts, have hindered relief and rescue operations.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has committed to providing updates on the extent of the devastation and loss of life as more information becomes available. The destruction caused by the landslide, including the burial of a section of the province’s main highway, is expected to have significant economic repercussions for the entire country.
Despite the difficulties faced on the ground, efforts to assist the affected communities are underway, with the deployment of earth-moving equipment and aid to support rescue operations. However, the unstable terrain continues to pose risks to rescue teams and survivors alike, emphasizing the urgency of the situation in the region.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the need for international assistance and support remains crucial. The visit of government officials to assess the situation on the ground and provide immediate aid underscores the urgency of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. With the impact of the disaster reverberating across the nation, the collaborative efforts of local and international agencies are essential in addressing the challenges faced by the affected communities.