Australia is ready to provide assistance to Papua New Guinea after more than 100 people are feared dead from a massive landslide that struck a remote village in the island nation, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The landslide is believed to have hit Kaokalam, a village in the Enga Province around 600 kilometres north-west of Port Moresby.
Residents said that the death toll may be more than 100, but authorities have not confirmed any figures yet.
Villagers said the number of people killed could be much higher.
DFAT said they are working to assist the nation and are trying to identify if any Australians were caught in the natural disaster.
“Australia’s High Commission in Port Moresby is in close contact with PNG authorities for further assessments on the extent of the damage and casualties,” the department said.
“Our High Commissioner to PNG spoke with Prime Minister Marape and Governor for Enga Province Ipatas and has offered Australian assistance and condolences.
“As a close partner of PNG, Australia stands ready to support any rescue and relief efforts at the PNG Government’s request.
“The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby is making inquiries with local authorities to confirm that no Australians have been affected.”
Footage shared by residents on Facebook showed widespread damage to a village, with vehicles tipped on their side.
Some footage showed bodies being pulled from the scene – with huge rocks, plants and trees hampering any rescue efforts.
The Papua New Guinea government and police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The landslide is believed to have struck the area around 3am today.
It is not yet clear if emergency services have been able to reach the village.
Elizabeth Laruma, who runs a women’s business association in Porgera, a town in the same province near the Porgera Gold Mine, said village houses were flattened when the side of a mountain gave way.
The landslide blocked the road between Porgera and the village, she said, raising concerns about the town’s own supply of fuel and goods.
With 10 million people, Papua New Guinea is the most populous South Pacific nation after Australia.
– Reported with Associated Press
