A devastating landslide has ravaged northern Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province, likely affecting more than 4,000 people and leaving hundreds feared dead, according to humanitarian group CARE Australia.
The landslide occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday in the village of Kaokalam, located approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. The massive slide flattened the village, burying homes and disrupting lives in the early hours of the morning.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported that more than six villages in the Maip Mulitaka region have been impacted. Local media sources estimate that over 300 people may have been buried and more than 1,100 houses destroyed.
CARE Australia spokesperson stated late on Saturday that nearly 4,000 residents lived in the immediate impact zone. The total number of those affected is likely higher, as the area served as a refuge for individuals displaced by nearby conflicts.
“More homes could be at risk if the landslide continues down the mountain,” the spokesperson warned. The landslide has left debris up to eight meters deep across a 200-square-kilometer area, cutting off road access and complicating relief efforts.
Helicopters have become the only viable means of reaching the affected region. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that four bodies had been recovered from the rubble as of Saturday.
Prime Minister James Marape announced that disaster officials, the Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways are assisting with relief and recovery operations. “We are mobilizing all available resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts,” Marape said.
The Enga Province has faced challenges in recent months. In February, tribal violence led to the deaths of at least 26 men, prompting the government to grant arrest powers to the military in an effort to restore order.
Social media footage shared by local villager Ninga Role depicts harrowing scenes of people clambering over rocks, uprooted trees, and mounds of earth in search of survivors. The sound of weeping women underscores the tragedy unfolding in the community.
Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors and provide aid to those displaced. The scale of the disaster highlights the urgent need for assistance from both national and international organizations.
Efforts to clear debris and restore access are ongoing, but the full extent of the damage remains uncertain. As the situation develops, authorities urge caution and solidarity with the affected communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
