In the early hours of Friday, a devastating landslide struck the remote village of Kaokalam in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News, more than 100 individuals are feared dead as a result of this tragic event.
Local residents described the rescue efforts as incredibly challenging due to the severe destruction caused by the landslide. Houses were flattened, and numerous people were buried beneath the debris, which included rocks and trees. While the exact death toll has not been officially confirmed by authorities, local sources suggest that the number of casualties could be even higher.
Videos circulating on social media depict the desperate attempts of survivors to navigate through the rubble, climbing over massive rocks and extracting bodies from the wreckage. The extent of the devastation is immense, with entire families and communities affected by the disaster.
Elizabeth Laruma, president of the Porgera Women in Business Association, recounted the horrifying events, explaining that the landslide occurred while most people were asleep, resulting in the entire village being engulfed. Laruma estimated that over 100 individuals may have been buried beneath the earth.
Ninga Role, a resident of Kaokalam who tragically lost four relatives in the disaster, described the challenging conditions faced by rescuers. The landslide has blocked access to the nearby town of Porgera, where a significant gold mine is located. Massive boulders, vegetation, and collapsed structures obstruct the search for victims, making the recovery efforts exceedingly difficult.
At the time of writing, officials from the Papua New Guinea government and law enforcement had yet to issue a response to the landslide, highlighting the urgent need for assistance and support in the affected area.
