The death toll from landslides in Papua New Guinea is expected to exceed 670
More than 670 deaths are expected from the worst landslide in Papua New Guinea and United Nations agencies are engaged in relief work.
According to the report of the foreign news agency, the United Nations Organization for Refugees said that 670 people have died due to the worst landslide, but the relief work is ongoing.
South Pacific media in northern Australia reported on Friday that more than 300 people were buried under the debris of the landslide, but 48 hours later the International Organization for Refugees (IOM) said the death toll could be twice that.
The international organization said that the destruction caused by the landslide has not yet been estimated and due to the current dangerous situation, relief operations are also being hindered. According to the report, only 5 bodies have been removed from the debris so far.
According to figures provided by the administration of the village of Yambali in Enga province, the international agency has estimated the number of casualties, and Sirhan Aktorprak, the acting head of the agency in Papua New Guinea, says that more than 150 houses were also destroyed in Friday's landslide. They were piles of rubble.
He said the land is still sliding, rocks are falling, flat land is sinking due to pressure and water is flowing, which poses the worst risks to everyone in the region.
More than 250 homes have been evacuated and residents have been moved to temporary shelters with relatives and friends, the international agency said, adding that 1,250 people have been left homeless.
Sirhan Aktorprak said that people are trying to remove the bodies buried under the rubble with their help and are digging with sticks, shovels and other tools.
He said that elementary schools, small businesses and stalls, guest houses and petrol pumps have also been buried under the debris in the area.
.jpg)
