At least 670 people were killed in a giant landslide that hit Papua New Guinea’s remote Enga region on Friday morning, according to a new estimate provided by local authorities that is more than double the original estimate.
More than 150 houses in the village of Yambali were completely buried under tons of earth and stones. According to local sources, the collapse occurred at night, leaving many families asleep, and many children will be among the buried victims. The collapse also destroyed a school, a hotel, a gas station and several businesses.
About 250 houses in the surrounding area have been abandoned by residents due to the risk of further landslides. According to the government, the terrain is still very unstable and more landslides could occur at any time.
The village is located in an inaccessible mountainous area, and until yesterday authorities had failed to bring in excavators and other heavy material to help clear the rubble. People and rescue teams dug the ground with shovels, sticks and farming tools, but until yesterday they had only managed to find the bodies of five victims.
Author: Ricardo Ramos
Source: CM Jornal
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