UN Migration Agency Reports Over 670 Fatalities In Papua New Guinea Landslide

Following a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, the International Organization for Migration has increased its estimate of the death toll to over 670, according to Al Jazeera. The head of the UN agency’s mission in the South Pacific island nation, Serhan Aktoprak, announced on Sunday that the updated death toll was assessed by officials from Yambali village and Enga province, who estimated that over 150 houses had been submerged by the landslide as of Friday.

Previously, the number of destroyed houses was estimated to be 60. “They are estimating that more than 670 people [are] under the soil at the moment,” Aktoprak said, according to Al Jazeera. “The situation is terrible with the land still sliding. The water is running and this is creating a massive risk for everyone involved,” he added.

Tribal warfare and unstable ground hindered rescue efforts as emergency personnel moved survivors to safer areas. The landslide notably affected Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, about 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, on Friday. Videos shared on social media show residents scaling massive rocks and pulling bodies from rubble and beneath trees. Additionally, the landslide has blocked the access road to Porgera town, where a large gold mine is located, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).