PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – A devastating landslide has ravaged the remote village of Yambali in Enga Province, claiming the lives of scores of people and destroying numerous homes and livelihoods. The landslide, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, buried homes and food gardens, leaving an estimated 3000 people trapped under the mass of earth and debris.
Government authorities in Papua New Guinea have yet to officially confirm the number of casualties from the disaster. However, Prime Minister James Marape expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragic event and pledged support for relief efforts and reconstruction.
The Enga Provincial administration has mobilized an emergency response team to assess the damage and coordinate with local health facilities and non-governmental organizations to provide assistance. Reports indicate that at least 50 houses have been destroyed, impacting hundreds of individuals and families in the village.
Community leaders and residents on the ground have described the landslide as massive, wiping out the entire village and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Efforts to retrieve bodies and assess the extent of the damage are ongoing, with specialized equipment needed to navigate the challenging terrain.
The catastrophic event has not only claimed lives but also disrupted access to vital resources, such as the Porgera Gold mine, which is now inaccessible due to the destruction of the main highway. Rescue and recovery efforts are hindered by the closure of the highway, making it challenging to deploy heavy machinery to assist in the operation.
Local residents have emphasized the urgent need for government and NGO support to aid in the recovery process. With thousands of people still trapped under the rubble, the community is rallying together to address the immense challenges posed by the landslide.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives and livelihoods in Yambali village, the focus remains on providing assistance, evaluating the extent of the damage, and ensuring that those affected receive the support they need in the aftermath of this tragic event.