Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — A devastating landslide has struck a remote region of Papua New Guinea, leaving over 2,000 people feared dead, Prime Minister James Marape announced on May 29.
The disaster occurred following days of heavy rainfall that destabilized the mountainous terrain. Entire villages have been engulfed by mud and debris, complicating rescue efforts in the rugged landscape. Local communities are leading the charge in search and rescue operations, with villagers organizing themselves to uncover those buried beneath the mud.
“This is a tragedy of unprecedented scale for our nation,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “We are deploying all available resources to support the affected communities and are calling for international assistance to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts.”
CGTN reporters who visited the disaster site described scenes of profound devastation, with families desperately digging through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors. The lack of infrastructure and challenging terrain are hampering relief efforts, prompting calls for immediate logistical support.
Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide emergency aid, but access remains a critical issue. The government is working to open pathways and establish communication with the isolated areas most impacted by the landslide.
Environmental experts warn that the region remains at risk for additional landslides due to ongoing weather conditions. Residents in nearby areas have been advised to evacuate to safer locations as a precaution.
The international community has expressed condolences and solidarity with Papua New Guinea. Neighboring countries and global organizations are expected to contribute aid and assistance in the coming days.
This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of remote communities to natural disasters and the pressing need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure support in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
