KATHMANDU: According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp., over 100 individuals are feared dead following a landslide that engulfed Kaokalam village in Enga province, Papua New Guinea. The incident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. local time and has prompted residents to estimate the death toll to be over 100, although this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Videos circulating on social media depict locals recovering bodies buried beneath rocks and trees, indicating the magnitude of the disaster. The Papua New Guinea government and police have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident.
Elizabeth Laruma, who oversees a women's business association in Porgera, a nearby town, described how village houses were flattened when a mountainside collapsed. She estimated that over 100 people may be buried beneath the debris. The landslide has also obstructed the road between Porgera and the village, posing challenges for the town's supply of fuel and goods.
Ninga Role, a resident of the affected village who was absent during the landslide, expressed concern about locating the bodies of his relatives, given the obstacles posed by large rocks and collapsed structures. Papua New Guinea, with its diverse population and limited infrastructure, faces significant challenges in responding to such disasters.
