At least 100 people died after a deadly landslide struck a village in a distant area of Papua New Guinea on Friday May 24, with the death toll expected to rise amid rescue operations.
According to reports, the landslide caused severe loss of life and property damage. Officials were still assessing the situation to ascertain the entire extent of the devastation, while recovery efforts continue.
Residents are concerned that hundreds of people may have been killed as a result of the disaster, which buried over 50 homes under mud and boulders, locking them inside while they were asleep.
Initial estimates indicated that about 300 people died. Videos circulating on social media show residents scrambling to remove remains trapped behind rubble.
“The death toll was nearly 300, among them my brother and cousin,” villager Ninga Role told Reuters by phone.
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Elizabeth Laruma, who runs a women’s business association in Porgera, a town in the same province near the Porgera Gold Mine, stated that the village houses were flattened when the side of a mountain gave way.
“It has occurred when people were still asleep in the early hours, and the entire village has gone down,” reads part of Laruma statement. “From what I can presume, it’s about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground.”
In a video shared on social media by Role, people can be seen climbing over rocks, trees, and dirt piles in search of survivors after the disaster. The sounds of women crying can be heard in the background, highlighting the emotional impact of the situation.
“It’s very impossible, the area covered by the landslide is large and there are rocks and trees everywhere,” Role said.
Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement that he is still waiting for additional information regarding the issue. However, he stated that officials are actively trying to solve the crisis and support those affected.
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“We are sending in disaster officials, PNG Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways to meet provincial and district officials in Enga and also start relief work, recovery of bodies, and reconstruction of infrastructure,” reads part of Marape’s statement.
Causes of Landslide
Heavy Rainfall: When there is a lot of rain, the soil becomes saturated with water, making it heavy and unstable, perhaps leading to landslides.
Slope Instability: If the angle of a slope is excessively steep, earth or rocks may slide down due to gravity, resulting in a landslide.
Earthquakes: Earthquakes can jolt the ground, forcing rocks and soil to move unexpectedly and resulting in landslides.
Deforestation: Cutting down trees can reduce soil stability, making it more susceptible to landslides.
Human Activities: Construction, mining, and incorrect land use can alter the natural balance of the earth, making it prone to landslides.
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