A devastating landslide in a remote village in Papua New Guinea has left survivors searching through tons of earth and rubble by hand in hopes of finding missing relatives. The landslide, which occurred in Enga province, is believed to have buried 60 houses and claimed the lives of at least 100 people, according to officials.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by the cultural taboo of asking survivors about the status of their relatives, making it difficult to confirm the exact number of casualties. Only three bodies have been recovered so far, with fears that the death toll could rise significantly.
The village of Yambali, home to nearly 4,000 people, has been left devastated by the disaster. Food gardens that sustain the population’s subsistence farming have been destroyed, and the streams providing drinking water have been buried by the landslide.
Emergency convoys carrying food, water, and other essentials have been dispatched to the village, but the relief effort has been delayed by the closure of the main highway due to the landslide. Further convoys are planned, including the arrival of heavy earth-moving machinery to help clear the debris.
The United States and Australia have pledged to support Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of the disaster, with President Joe Biden expressing his condolences and readiness to assist. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also extended his sympathies, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, the international community stands in solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea during this difficult time.