The death toll from last week's devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea has surged to over 2,000, according to the government, prompting an official request for international assistance.
Papua New Guinea's government has formally requested international aid after a landslide on Friday buried over 2,000 people alive, a government official has told the United Nations. This estimate is triple the initial figure of 670 reported by the U.N.
In a letter to the U.N. resident coordinator, the acting director of the National Disaster Center said the landslide caused "major destruction" in Yambali village, Enga province. However, the government has not provided details on how this estimate was reached.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is playing a leading role in the response, has not changed its estimate of 670 deaths. The IOM stated that it cannot dispute the government's suggestion but needs further evidence to verify it.
Determining the scale of the disaster has been challenging due to the remote location of the village, lack of communication, and ongoing tribal warfare in the province. The government's lack of reliable census data also complicates estimations.
The landslide buried a 650-foot stretch of the province's main highway under 20-26 feet of debris, hindering relief efforts. The unstable ground poses continuous risks to rescue teams and survivors.
An excavator donated by a local builder has become the first heavy earth-moving machinery deployed to the site. However, traumatized villagers are divided on whether heavy machinery should be allowed to dig up the bodies of their buried loved ones.
Papua New Guinea's defense minister visited Yambali on Sunday to assess the situation. A decision is pending on whether the government will formally request additional international support.
Earth-moving equipment from the military is being transported to the disaster scene, but concerns remain about potential further damage to the bodies of the deceased.
The disaster has had a significant impact on the country, including the Enga province's economy. The government has pledged to release information about the scale of destruction and loss of life when available.
Relief workers and aid convoys require military escorts due to ongoing tribal warfare in the region. At least 26 tribal warriors and mercenaries were killed in a battle in February.
