Devastating Landslides Bury 670 in Papua New Guinea Tragedy

About 670 people are estimated to be buried under large landslides in Papua New Guinea, a United Nations official says.

The head of the International Organization for Migration in Papua New Guinea, Serhan Aktoprak, said the impact of Friday’s landslides in the separatist province of Enga in the country is greater than previously thought.

“There are approximately 150 more houses buried,” Mr. Actoprak said.

The affected areas are in the highlands of Enga, in the northern part of the island nation in the southwest Pacific.

Mr. Actoprak said rescuers were at risk because “the ground is still sliding”.

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“Water is flowing and this poses a great danger to everyone involved,” he said.

There are about 4,000 people living in the landslide-hit area.

But Care Australia, a humanitarian aid organization assisting in relief efforts, warned that the number affected “could be larger” due to an influx of people fleeing tribal conflicts in neighboring areas.

About 1,000 people have fled their homes due to the disaster.

But Care Australia, a humanitarian aid organization assisting in relief efforts, warned that the number affected “could be larger” due to an influx of people fleeing tribal conflicts in neighboring areas.

The landslides occurred around 03:00 local time on Friday (17:00 GMT on Thursday), when people were likely asleep.

Mr. Actoprak said rescuers were using any necessary means to save the victims: “People are using tools like shovels to remove bodies buried under the soil.”