Over 670 people are feared dead after a catastrophic landslide in a remote area in northern Papua New Guinea, according to a UN official. The latest estimate represents a significant increase from earlier reports, where it was originally believed that more than 100 people had perished. Initially, the population of the village was reported to be around 4,000 people, but new figures suggest the actual number of residents is much higher. As a result, over 250 houses have been evacuated, displacing an estimated 1,250 individuals who are now seeking temporary shelter with relatives and friends nearby.
The disaster struck the remote village of Kaokalam, approximately 600 kilometers (372 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby, in the early hours of Friday. The area remains extremely risky as rocks continue to fall and the soil is exposed to constant pressure. Locals are working hard to uncover bodies buried under the debris using rudimentary tools like digging sticks, spades, and agricultural forks.
Papua New Guinea is known for its abundant natural resources but faces challenges such as its economy lags behind neighboring countries and it has one of the highest crime rates in the world due to its rugged and diverse terrain populated by hundreds of tribes which makes it difficult to provide basic services due to lack of infrastructure like roads, electricity and water. This ongoing situation will be updated as new information becomes available.