A landslide in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province buried the village of Yambali, with over 2,000 people believed to be dead, although the UN estimate 670 killed, Associated Press reports.
The disaster occurred early Friday morning, burying the village in debris up to 8 meters deep. Search and rescue efforts are hampered by the remote, mountainous location and ongoing security concerns from tribal warfare. Heavy machinery use is limited due to survivors’ concerns about disturbing the bodies. The landslide also threatens additional communities due to ongoing earth shifts and waterlogged debris from covered streams. Survivors need urgent aid, including relocation, food, water, and shelter. The situation is exacerbated by the destruction of local farms and water sources.
The international community, including the US and Australia, have expressed readiness to offer more assistance, and the Papua New Guinea government has formally requested additional help to address the escalating crisis.
