Almost 2,000 deaths feared in Papua New Guinea.
After the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, rescue workers are working feverishly against time. Villagers search for the missing with bare feet and shovels in hand. For over 2000 people, rescuers still hold onto hope.
The national disaster management of the island nation expects at least 2000 casualties, according to a statement from the government. The landslide took place on Friday in a remote highland area. There were initial reports of over 2000 people being buried.
While rescue teams continue their efforts to save more survivors from the earth and rock deposits, the situation remains grim. "We can only hope that we can contribute to saving more lives in the limited time we have left," said Serhan Aktoprak, head of the International Organization for Migration in the island state, as quoted by the Australian broadcaster AAP. "But time is not on our side."
Rescue efforts are quite complicated because there are still dangerous rockslides and water is flowing under the wreckage. In footage from the disaster zone, people could be seen trying to find relatives and friends among the massive debris piles, using only their bare feet and shovels.
Aktoprak announced on Sunday that at least 670 deaths were anticipated. Most houses were reportedly buried six to eight meters deep under the debris. The village of Yambali in the remote province of Enga was completely buried by the landslide. The residents were sleeping when, suddenly during the night on Friday, half of a mountain collapsed.
Australia has offered assistance to the neighboring country. Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles informed the Australian broadcaster ABC that government officials have been in contact with their counterparts in Papua New Guinea since Friday to discuss the type of aid. Due to the region's remoteness, aid workers will likely have to be flown in by air. "This is a tragedy," Marles stressed. "Our two countries are very close, and during times of natural disasters, they have always been quick to support each other. That's what we're doing now."
Read also:
- Floods: water levels remain critical in many places
- Snow chaos further restricts Bavaria
- Continuous operation in the flood areas
- Flood situation remains tense in many places
The International Organization for Migration, led by Serhan Aktoprak, is actively involved in the rescue efforts in Papua New Guinea, expressing hope to save more lives. Due to the international nature of this disaster, international aid is being sought, with Australia offering assistance to their neighboring country.
Source: www.ntv.de
