A massive landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea early Friday morning, burying homes and leaving over 100 people dead according to villagers, with official confirmation pending.
The disaster hit Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, located hundreds of kilometers northwest of the capital. Villagers are recovering bodies themselves as it remains unclear if emergency services have reached the area.
Reports from residents suggest the entire village was buried when a mountainside collapsed while people slept.
A university student from Kaokalam said he fears at least four of his relatives are among the dead. Images shared online show villagers struggling to remove debris and locate victims amidst large rocks and fallen trees.
The landslide has also blocked the main access road to a nearby town and a large gold mine, raising concerns about access to essential supplies and the impact on the local economy.
