Wabag, Papua New Guinea – A devastating landslide has struck the remote village of Yambali in Enga Province, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life in its wake. The landslide, which occurred in the early hours, buried homes, food gardens, and an unknown number of residents under debris. Local sources report that scores of people have tragically lost their lives, with many more feared to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Reports indicate that the landslide is a result of a mountainside giving way, causing significant damage to the village. Elizabeth Laruma, the President of the Porgera Women in Business Association, described the incident as catastrophic, with houses flattened as residents slept. The scale of the disaster has led to estimates of over 100 people buried by the landslide.
Yambali village, located just a two-hour drive from the Porgera Gold mine, has now become inaccessible due to the destruction. The closure of the main highway to Porgera has also impacted the operations of the mine, bringing it to a standstill. The impact of the landslide can be seen through images shared on social media, showing the extent of the devastation with debris covering houses and vehicles.
Rescue and recovery efforts are underway, with locals working tirelessly to retrieve bodies and provide assistance to those affected. Despite initial reports of the death toll reaching over 100, official figures are yet to be confirmed by authorities. The gravity of the situation has prompted a response from aid groups and emergency services, who are mobilizing resources to aid in the search and rescue operations.
The community of Yambali is reeling from the aftermath of the landslide, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed. The resilience and solidarity of the villagers are being put to the test as they grapple with the immense loss and devastation caused by this natural disaster. As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic event, the focus remains on providing support and assistance to those affected by the landslide in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.