look news india
The death toll in landslide-hit villages in northern Papua New Guinea has risen to 300. The landslide that occurred last Friday buried 1,182 houses. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Saturday that more than six villages were affected by landslides in the Mullitaka region. People and property were found buried under the ground.
The death toll may increase further
The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is in constant contact with authorities to assess the damage and deaths. The Australian agency has said that the death toll is expected to rise.
Landslide work in full swing
The landslide has blocked the highway, leaving no option but to use helicopters to reach the affected area. Prime Minister James Marapp said disaster officials, the Defence Force and the Department of Works and Highways were assisting in search and rescue efforts.
Bodies buried in the rubble started being taken out
In a video going viral on social media, people are seen pulling out bodies buried in the debris. Big stones and broken trees are seen all around. Due to which houses have also been damaged. Traffic has also been affected. According to reports, operations at the Porgera gold mine have been affected due to the landslide in the island nation. It is managed by Barrick Gold on behalf of Barrick New Guinea Limited. However, Barrick Gold has not commented on this.