In an interview with media, Mr. Aktoprak said the community in Yambali village, located at the foot of the mountain in remote Enga province, was buried under 6 to 8 meters of soil.
The senior United Nations official said 150 houses were believed to be buried, about 90 more than previously reported. About 670 people are believed to be underground and “hopes of finding them alive are dwindling”.
IOM There are six aid workers on site, along with staff from other United Nations agencies, NGOs and government agencies. Conditions remain dangerous for workers; Water continues to flow down the mountain and the land continues to slide. Falling rocks are also affecting relief efforts.
The landslide has displaced about 1,000 people and there are fears the death toll will rise. Mr. Aktoprak said helpers were using any tools available, such as spades and sticks, to try to locate the bodies.
Debris covering large stretches of the highway into Enga province has limited access to the rescue site, but heavy machinery is expected to arrive on Sunday to assist with rescue efforts.
in one declare announced on Saturday, the United Nations Office in Papua New Guinea said communications infrastructure and roads into the affected area had been damaged.
An Emergency Response Coordination Group has been established to coordinate and direct relief efforts, including the Enga Provincial Disaster Coordination Office, the Department of Health, the Provincial Department of Works, the police, the National Guard Chamber and the United Nations.
The initial rapid impact assessment conducted by the Team identified immediate needs for food, shelter and medical supplies.
The statement concluded: “The United Nations is monitoring the situation very closely, coordinating with central and provincial authorities, including other partners to determine the extent of damage, casualties and support that may be needed for those affected”.
