Papua New Guinea conveyed to the UN on Monday that a colossal landslide had engulfed a remote village, resulting in the burial of over 2,000 individuals, as per a letter obtained by AFP.
The country’s national disaster center notified the UN office in Port Moresby, stating that the landslide had not only buried thousands alive but also caused extensive destruction.
The catastrophic event occurred in Enga province, where a once-thriving hillside village faced near-total devastation after a segment of Mount Mungalo collapsed during the early hours of Friday.
The landslide obliterated numerous homes, entombing the residents who were asleep at the time.
The disaster office highlighted the profound impact on the affected area, noting widespread destruction of structures, agricultural lands, and vital economic infrastructure. The main highway to Porgera Mine was rendered impassable, exacerbating the crisis.
Furthermore, the letter emphasized the ongoing instability of the situation, with the landslip persistently shifting and posing imminent danger to both rescue teams and survivors.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the disaster office urged immediate and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the military and national and regional responders.
In a plea for assistance, the disaster office called upon the UN to disseminate the latest updates to Papua New Guinea’s development partners and other international allies.
It stressed the importance of coordinated support through the disaster center to effectively address the crisis and provide aid to those in need.
