Rescue efforts are being hampered by dangerous and unstable terrain.
A massive landslide in a remote region in northern Papua New Guinea has claimed at least 2,000 lives. This information was provided by the Pacific nation to the United Nations (UN) on Monday, as reported by TASR, based on AFP, AP, and Reuters.
The landslide struck six villages in the remote Enga Province early Friday morning while most villagers were sleeping. In addition to the fatalities, local authorities report extensive damage to homes and businesses. As of Sunday, authorities had reported approximately 670 casualties.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by dangerous and unstable terrain. Traumatized villagers are divided on whether to allow heavy machinery to excavate, potentially further disturbing the bodies of their buried relatives, according to local authorities.
Australia has pledged assistance and plans to send planes and other equipment on Monday. Papua New Guinea, Australia’s closest neighbor, and the two countries are developing closer defense ties as part of Australia’s efforts to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Australia is also the most generous provider of foreign aid to its former colony, which gained independence in 1975.
Papua New Guinea is a Pacific island nation with a population of approximately 10 million people. Hundreds of indigenous tribes live in remote and often inaccessible areas. The country has rich mineral resources but lags behind neighboring states in economic growth and living standards. It also has one of the highest crime rates in the world and is characterized by political instability.
