Over 300 people and 1,100 houses have been buried by a massive landslide that hit a remote village in northern Papua New Guinea, as per the local media.
Hundreds are feared dead following a landslide that struck Kaokalam village in Enga Province, approximately 600 km (370 miles) northwest of Port Moresby. The disaster occurred around 3 am on Friday.
The Papua New Guinea Post Courier reported that the landslide in the Pacific nation north of Australia buried over 300 people and 1,182 houses. The information was based on comments from Aimos Akem, a member of the country’s parliament. Akem did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment via social media.
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Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) reported on Saturday that the landslide in the Mulitaka region of Enga Province had impacted more than six villages.
“Australia’s High Commission in Port Moresby is in close contact with PNG authorities for further assessments on the extent of the damage and casualties,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
Highways blocked
The landslide has blocked highway access, leaving helicopters as the only means to reach the area, according to the broadcaster. Social media footage posted by villager Ninga Role showed people climbing over rocks, uprooted trees, and mounds of dirt in search of survivors, with women weeping in the background.
Prime Minister James Marape stated that disaster officials, the Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways are assisting with relief and recovery efforts.
(With Reuters inputs)
