A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea has left at least 670 people presumed dead, with search-and-rescue efforts hindered by ongoing danger and difficult access to the disaster site.
The landslide, which occurred in a rural region of the island nation early Friday, has forced survivors to flee their homes, leaving over 250 houses abandoned and roughly 1,250 people displaced, according to Serhan Aktoprak of the International Organization for Migration.
Authorities fear that many of the victims will be children under 15, as the region in Enga Province is densely populated with a young population.
Despite challenges, the local government has provided food and water for around 600 people, with a humanitarian convoy en route to provide further aid. However, distribution has been complicated by ongoing landslides and hazardous conditions.
In addition to the landslide tragedy, the region has also seen tribal clashes in recent months, with a deadly quarrel between two clans resulting in eight deaths and the destruction of dozens of houses.
The landslide struck the village in the early hours of Friday, burying homes and blocking a major highway with boulders larger than shipping containers. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, efforts continue to locate and assist those affected by this tragic disaster.
