UN Body: Papua New Guinea Landslide Death Toll Likely Exceeds 670

The International Organization for Migration, a branch of the United Nations, is expressing concern over the devastating landslide that occurred in Papua New Guinea on Friday.

This tragic event resulted in the complete burial of Yambali village, and it is feared that over 670 lives have been lost. Initially, local authorities estimated that the disaster had claimed at least 100 lives.

The landslide occurred when a portion of Mount Mungalo collapsed, covering the village with a mixture of rocks, mud, and uprooted trees.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has reported that several municipalities in the area have been affected to varying degrees.

The disaster zone is located approximately 600 kilometers away from the capital city, Port Moresby. Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the migration agency’s mission in Papua New Guinea, stated that local authorities believe there are more than 670 people buried under the debris.

This revised estimate is based on the realization that over 150 households, rather than the initially assumed 60, have been affected. Aktoprak cautioned that the death toll is still uncertain, as it is based on average population figures per household in the region.

He emphasized the importance of providing accurate information and avoiding any exaggeration. Local authorities have acknowledged that the population of the destroyed village exceeded the original estimate of 4,000 residents, but they have not provided a revised number. As of now, search and rescue teams have only recovered five bodies and a limb belonging to a sixth victim. The first excavator joined the effort on Sunday.