Significant landslide occurs in a distant part of Papua New Guinea, countless lives potentially lost.
A landslide struck the village of Kaokalam in the province of Enga, approximately 600 kilometers (372 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby, according to ABC. The exact death toll has not been revealed by authorities, who are still assessing the damage and recovering bodies from the area. Enga's Governor, Peter Ipatas, told AFP that the landslide caused fatalities and destroyed property.
Compelling footage captured by AFP shows a massive mud and rock scar on a steep mountainside slope, with locals searching for survivors. Per reports from ABC, houses in the area were leveled when a nearby mountain collapsed. CNN has contacted Ipatas, as well as the national police and the country's disaster management agency, for further details.
Papua New Guinea, with a population of around 10 million people, is a resource-rich Pacific island nation. While its economic growth has lagged behind neighboring countries, it remains one of the most crime-ridden regions in the world. The country has been plagued by ongoing violence and chaos, as evidenced by the recent unrest in its capital which resulted in widespread destruction.
Comprising hundreds of tribes, the archipelago is characterized by its diverse landscape - particularly its large mountain ranges. However, the remoteness and inaccessibility of much of the terrain has made it challenging and expensive to improve essential public services such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
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The landslide in Papua New Guinea has triggered concern globally, as the affected area is home to numerous communities. Despite being a resource-rich nation, it faces numerous challenges, including limited access to essential services due to its rugged terrain.
Source: edition.cnn.com
