More than 2,000 people buried in landslide in Papua New Guinea

Rescuers are searching for survivors of the landslide that occurred on May 24. Serhan Aktoprak, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in the country, estimated the death toll at 670, according to CNN today, May 27.

Relief workers and residents after a landslide in Enga province (Papua New Guinea) on May 26, 2024.

"The landslide buried more than 2,000 people and caused damage to buildings, food crops and the country's economic lifeline," Lusete Laso Mana, acting director of the National Disaster Center, said in a letter to the United Nations. The main highway leading to the Enga area was also completely blocked by the landslide, according to Mana.

"The situation is not stable as the landslide continues to develop slowly, posing a constant threat to both rescue teams and survivors," Mr Mana warned. Local authorities have now determined that the damage is expected to be very large and that immediate cooperation from everyone is needed.

"The remote location, unpredictable terrain and damage to many roads are slowing relief efforts. Essential relief supplies including emergency shelters, food and water are being prepared for transport and distribution," ABC News quoted a statement from the United Nations office in Papua New Guinea.

Both the Papua New Guinea government and United Nations agencies are also on alert and on guard against the risk of further rain-triggered landslides in the region.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hon-2000-nguoi-bi-chon-vui-trong-tran-lo-dat-o-papua-new-guinea-185240527135713288.htm