Thousands Feared Buried in Papua New Guinea Landslide
A terrific landslide in Papua New Guinea, described by villagers as striking "like an exploding bomb," may have buried over 2,000 people, according to a government agency. This estimate, from the acting director of the National Disaster Centre, significantly exceeds the United Nations' earlier figure of 670 casualties.
The disaster occurred in the early hours of Friday, devastating a village in Enga province. Precise casualty counts remain uncertain due to the challenging conditions. Rescue operations are hampered by rubble up to 10 meters (32 feet) deep, obstructed access, and insufficient equipment.
Local hopes for finding survivors are dwindling. Jacob Sowai, a schoolteacher from a nearby village, reported, "Nobody escaped. We don't know who died because records are buried." He added that 18 of his family members are among the missing.
Villagers recounted the suddenness of the landslide. Lasen Iso told The National newspaper that it struck "like an exploding bomb in a split second," while Eddie Peter described it approaching her home "like a sea wave." Peter's husband and four children were trapped and killed as she fled.
Approximately 3,800 people lived in the affected area before the landslide. Acting Provincial Police Commander Martin Kelei described the precarious rescue efforts, noting the risk of further rock slips from removing large debris. Survivors' cries for help can still be heard beneath the rubble.
Prime Minister James Marape has expressed condolences and dispatched the country's defense force and emergency agencies to the disaster site, located about 600km northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. However, residents of Kaokalam village report awaiting substantial official rescue efforts.
Remaining residents are being evacuated due to the ongoing risk of further landslides, exacerbated by forecasts of additional rain. Justine McMahon, the country coordinator for Care Australia, indicated that the unstable ground has prompted a temporary withdrawal of aid agencies to allow for thorough assessment and safe rescue operations.
The Mount Mungalo landslide is attributed to weeks of heavy rainfall in the highlands of Enga province.
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