A devastating landslide has struck the remote village of Kaokalam in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, resulting in a significant loss of life and destruction. The landslide occurred at approximately 3 a.m., sweeping through the village situated about 600 kilometers north-west of Port Moresby.
Tragic Loss of Life and Devastation
Initial reports from local residents suggest that the death toll may exceed 100, although this figure has not yet been confirmed by authorities. Elizabeth Laruma, president of the Porgera Women in Business Association, described the catastrophic event:
“It has occurred when people were still asleep in the early hours, and the entire village has gone down. From what I can presume, it’s about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground.”
Lack of Immediate Response
Papua New Guinea police have not yet responded to requests for comment, and it remains unclear whether emergency services have been able to access the remote area. The lack of immediate response has compounded the difficulties faced by the villagers in their rescue efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts and Personal Loss
Ninga Role, a university student in Madang originally from Kaokalam, reported receiving the tragic news this morning. He fears that at least four of his relatives are among those who have perished.
“I feel very sad. And I feel sad for the whole community,” Role told the ABC. “They have lost their lives, their loved ones, their properties.”
Challenging Rescue Efforts
Videos shared on social media depict residents attempting to scale massive rocks and extricate bodies from the rubble and fallen trees. Mr. Role highlighted the arduous nature of the rescue operations:
“There are some huge stones and plants, trees. The buildings [have] collapsed. These things are making it hard to find the bodies fast.”
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
The landslide has also severed an access road to the town of Porgera, which hosts a major gold mine. Elizabeth Laruma emphasized the broader impact on the region:
“When this road is being closed off – and I don’t know how long it’s going to take – it’s going to have a really big impact on the people out there in terms of goods, fuel, and services. It’s going to have a big impact on the lives of the people of Porgera and the mine as well.”
Call for Immediate Assistance
Ms. Laruma has called upon the PNG government and non-governmental organizations to provide immediate relief to the affected area. The isolation of Kaokalam village and the extensive damage have created an urgent need for external assistance to support rescue efforts and supply essential goods and services.
As the community of Kaokalam grapples with this unprecedented disaster, the full extent of the tragedy is still unfolding. The need for coordinated rescue operations and humanitarian aid is critical to address the immediate and long-term impacts of the landslide.
