In a devastating turn of events, more than 300 people have died due to a massive landslide in the remote Yambali village in northern Papua New Guinea. This tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday, catching the villagers off guard. The village, situated approximately two hours’ drive from the provincial capital of Wabag, is now facing severe accessibility issues as the main road leading to it has been blocked by the landslide, severely hampering emergency response efforts.
Impact and Scale of the Disaster
The landslide covered an area roughly the size of three to four football fields, engulfing 1,182 houses in its path. Approximately 3,895 people call this area home, according to Serhan Aktoprak, chief of the International Organization for Migration’s mission in Papua New Guinea. While some houses were spared, the full extent of the casualties remains uncertain as rescue operations continue.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The blocked road is a significant obstacle for emergency teams who are struggling to reach the affected area and deliver the much-needed aid. The remote location of Yambali village complicates these efforts further, as accessibility is naturally limited even under normal circumstances.
Official Responses and Ongoing Efforts
While the national authorities have yet to release an official death toll, early estimates reported about 100 fatalities before more comprehensive figures emerged from ground reports. The focus is currently on clearing the debris and reestablishing access to the village to facilitate the delivery of aid and assess the full impact of the disaster.
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