A deadly landslide in Papua New Guinea has sparked fears that the number of missing individuals could be in the thousands, according to a government agency. Lusete Laso Mana, the acting director of the National Disaster Centre, indicated in a letter that it is feared more than 2,000 people were buried alive in the disaster that occurred on Friday.
Challenges in Establishing Casualty Figures
LlAccurate casualty figures have been adifficult to determine due to the enormity of the disaster. Rubble up to ²@@ (32 feet) deep in some areas 9land inadequate equipment have significantly hampered rescue efforts. So pafar, less than a dozen bodies have been recovered. The United Nations (UN) estimates the number of missing at 670.
Impact on the Local Community
The landslide, which occurred early Friday morning, devastated a bustling village in Enga province, destroying an area close to a kilometer in length. Approximately 3,800 people resided in the affected area before the disaster. Lusete Laso Mana’s letter described the damage as “extensive,” with a significant impact on the economic lifeline of the country.
Government Response and Local Frustration
Prime Minister James Marape expressed his condolences and ordered the country’s defense force and emergency agencies to the area, located about 600km northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. However, residents of the affected Kaokalam village report that they are still awaiting substantial official assistance. Local community leader Ignas Nembo told the BBC that residents have been using shovels and their bare hands in desperate attempts to rescue those buried.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Acting Provincial Police Commander Martin Kelei noted that soldiers had arrived and were attempting to move boulders to reach those trapped. However, he described the efforts as precarious due to the risk of further landslides. Kelei stated that survivors could still be heard calling for help under the rubble.
Heroic Rescues Amidst Dire Conditions
Local media reported that a couple was pulled alive from under rocks, having survived as their home was only partially caught by the landslide. The local NBC channel highlighted that they were rescued after their shouts for help were heard.
Evacuation and Ongoing Risks
Remaining residents are being evacuated as the region is still at high risk due to forecasts of further rain. Justine McMahon, the country coordinator for Care Australia, stated that the ground remains unstable, posing a continued threat of additional landslides. Humanitarian agencies have decided to temporarily halt operations to allow authorities to conduct rescue and recovery efforts safely.
Obstacles in Rescue Operations
Serhan Aktoprak from the International Organization for Migration noted several challenges faced by rescue teams, including the reluctance of grieving relatives to allow heavy machinery near their loved ones. Rescue workers are using basic tools such as digging sticks, spades, and large agricultural forks to remove debris. Damage to the sole road leading to the town has also hindered efforts, with about 200 meters (650 feet) of the road being affected.
Cause of the Landslide
Local officials and reporters have attributed the mountain’s collapse to weeks of heavy rain and wet conditions in the area. The Mount Mungalo landslide occurred in the highlands of Enga, located in the north of the island nation.
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Written By Doris Chinwe Omemgbeoji