Papua New Guinea Landslide: UN Fears 670 People Buried Alive

A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga province has left an estimated 670 people buried under debris, according to the United Nations. The disaster, which occurred on Friday, has affected nearly 4,000 people, with at least 1,000 displaced.

Rescue efforts are underway, but the situation is dire. "The land is still sliding, and the water is running, creating a massive risk for everyone involved," said Serhan Aktoprak, head of the International Organization for Migration in Papua New Guinea. Helpers are using makeshift tools to recover victims, but only five bodies have been recovered so far.

The landslide, which occurred at 3:00 am local time, caught people sleeping, and the death toll is expected to rise. Debris, including large boulders and trees, is up to 8 meters deep in some areas, limiting access to the rescue site. Tribal violence along the key route is also threatening to complicate relief efforts.

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has offered support, saying his country is ready to help "our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea". Papua New Guinea's military is providing security for convoys transporting aid

Credit:BBC

The affected areas are in the highlands of Enga, in the north of the island nation in the south-west Pacific. The landslide has also wiped out gardens and water supplies, leaving survivors in a precarious situation.

The international community is urged to provide support and assistance to the people of Papua New Guinea in this difficult time.