A massive landslide in Papua New Guinea has buried more than 2,000 people, according to a government official. The disaster occurred on Friday, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
More than 2,000 people are feared dead after a massive landslide buried a village in Papua New Guinea on Friday, according to a government official. The disaster occurred in the remote and mountainous province of Southern Highlands, where heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides.
"We have reports that more than 2,000 people have been buried," said William Bando, the provincial administrator of Southern Highlands. "We are still trying to confirm the exact number, but it is a very large-scale disaster."
The landslide occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, following days of heavy rainfall. A massive wall of mud and debris swept through the village of Reba, burying homes and killing dozens of people.
"We were sleeping when we heard a loud noise," said one survivor, who identified himself only as Michael. "We ran outside and saw a huge landslide coming towards us. We tried to run, but it was too late."
Michael and his family were able to escape the landslide, but many of their neighbors were not so lucky. He said that he saw dozens of homes being swept away, and that he heard screams for help.
"It was a terrible sight," he said. "I have never seen anything like it."
Rescue workers are currently on the scene, but their efforts are being hampered by the remote location and the difficult terrain. The landslide has blocked the main road into the village, making it difficult for heavy equipment to reach the area.
"We are facing a very challenging situation," said Bando. "The landslide has blocked the road, and we have to use helicopters to bring in supplies and equipment."
The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected area, and is asking for international assistance. The United Nations has already sent a team of experts to the area, and other countries are also providing aid.
"This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "We are doing everything we can to help the people of Papua New Guinea."
The landslide is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have struck Papua New Guinea in recent months. In April, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the country, killing more than 100 people. In February, a tsunami caused widespread damage along the coast.
Papua New Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world, and it is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a region of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The landslide is a devastating blow to the people of Papua New Guinea, and it will take many years to rebuild. The government is calling for international assistance, and the United Nations is already providing aid.
