Papua New Guinea Landslide Kills Dozens, Burying Homes and Rescuers

A massive landslide in northern Papua New Guinea has killed dozens of people and buried hundreds of homes, including rescuers who were searching for survivors. The landslide occurred in a remote village and is believed to have been triggered by heavy rains.

A massive landslide in northern Papua New Guinea has killed dozens of people and buried hundreds of homes, including rescuers who were searching for survivors. The landslide occurred in the remote village of Kaokalam around 3 a.m. on Friday, local time.

"It's very impossible, the area covered by the landslide is large and there are rocks and trees everywhere," said Ninga Role, a villager who witnessed the tragedy. "It's very difficult to get them out."

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers continue to search through the debris. The landslide is believed to have been triggered by heavy rains that have been battering the region in recent days.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his condolences to the victims' families and has ordered disaster response teams to the area.

"We are sending in disaster officials, PNG Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways to meet provincial and district officials in Enga and also start relief work, recovery of bodies, and reconstruction of infrastructure," Marape said.

The landslide hit a section of highway near the Porgera gold mine, operated by Barrick Gold through Barrick Niugini Ltd, its joint venture with China's Zijin Mining.

"The extent of the damage is still being assessed, so it is too early to know the impact, if any, on the operations of the Porgera Gold Mine, which is 100 km away," a spokesperson for Barrick Gold said.

The landslide is the latest in a series of deadly landslides that have occurred in Papua New Guinea in recent years. In 2018, a landslide killed at least 60 people in the same province.

Landslides are a common occurrence in Papua New Guinea, which is located in a mountainous region that is prone to heavy rainfall. The country's infrastructure is often inadequate to withstand the force of landslides, which can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

In addition to the physical damage, landslides can also have a devastating impact on the local economy and environment. The loss of homes and businesses can leave families homeless and without a source of income. The destruction of infrastructure can make it difficult to access essential services, such as healthcare and education.

Landslides can also have a significant impact on the environment. The removal of vegetation can lead to soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity. Landslides can also block rivers and streams, which can disrupt the flow of water and cause flooding.

The government of Papua New Guinea is working to reduce the risk of landslides and mitigate their impact. However, the country faces a number of challenges, including a lack of resources and expertise.

International assistance is often necessary to help Papua New Guinea respond to landslides and other natural disasters. The United Nations and other organizations provide financial and technical support to the government and local communities.

The landslide in Kaokalam is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on communities around the world. The government of Papua New Guinea and the international community must work together to reduce the risk of landslides and mitigate their impact.