A tragic disaster has struck a remote area of Papua New Guinea, where more than 100 individuals are feared dead following a devastating landslide that occurred in the middle of the night. The landslide, which is reported to be up to 26 feet deep and covers an area equivalent to three to four football fields, buried people while they were asleep, leading to a chaotic and deadly situation.
Search and rescue teams are currently on the ground, working tirelessly to secure the affected area. However, the village's isolation and the debris blocking the main highway are posing significant challenges to the rescue efforts, hindering the swift response that is desperately needed.
According to the national director for World Vision, Papua New Guinea, approximately 60 households have been impacted by the catastrophic landslide. The incident occurred at 3 o'clock in the morning, catching residents off guard and resulting in a heartbreaking and devastating event that has left the community reeling.
The timing of the landslide, striking when most people were asleep, has likely contributed to the high number of casualties. The remote location of the village and the extensive debris have made it difficult for local residents and authorities to access those who may still be trapped under the rubble.
Despite being 600 kilometers away from the disaster zone, World Vision is in close contact with individuals in the area, receiving updates on the ongoing search and rescue operations. Local residents are working tirelessly to locate and assist any survivors, but the sheer magnitude of the debris suggests a grim outlook, with authorities preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Teams from provincial and national government agencies are conducting assessments and analyses to determine the necessary response measures as they strive to address the aftermath of this devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea.