A massive landslide has struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea, leaving a trail of destruction and hundreds feared dead. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that over 670 people may have perished in the disaster, a significant increase from earlier reports of over 100.
The landslide ripped through Yambali village in the early hours of Friday morning, burying over 150 homes under tons of mud and debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but hopes of finding survivors are dwindling.
“The area continues to pose an extreme risk,” said Serhan Aktoprak, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Papua New Guinea. Falling rocks and unstable soil conditions are hampering rescue efforts.
The disaster has displaced an estimated 1,250 people, forcing many to seek temporary refuge with friends and family in nearby villages. Locals are resorting to basic tools like digging sticks and shovels to search for victims buried under the debris.
The village of Yambali, located about 600 kilometers northwest of the capital Port Moresby, had a previously unknown larger population than initially reported. This has contributed to the grim estimate of casualties.
Papua New Guinea, a resource-rich nation of around 10 million people, faces the harsh reality of its challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. The mountainous landscape and lack of proper roads make delivering aid and rebuilding efforts particularly difficult.
