PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea: Papua New Guinea informed the UN on Monday that more than 2,000 people were buried alive in a massive landslide that swept over a remote village. The letter, obtained by AFP, detailed the catastrophic event and its impact on the region.
More than 2,000 people were buried alive and extensive damage was inflicted by the landslide, according to information sent to the UN headquarters in Port Moresby by the nation’s national disaster center.
The disaster struck a remote hillside village in Enga province, where a significant portion of Mount Mungalo collapsed in the early hours of Friday morning. The landslide engulfed numerous homes, burying people as they slept.
The disaster centre’s report highlighted the “major destruction to buildings, food gardens and significant impact on the economic lifeline of the country.” The main highway to the Porgera Mine was also “completely blocked,” creating additional challenges for rescue operations and aid delivery.
The landslide is still moving slowly, therefore the situation is still unstable and there is still danger to the rescue crews and survivors,” the letter said.
The scale of the catastrophe has necessitated “immediate and collaborative actions from all players,” including the army and national and regional responders. The disaster centre urged the UN to inform Papua New Guinea’s development partners and international allies about the situation, emphasizing the need for coordinated assistance through the disaster centre.
