Huge landslide strikes remote village in Papua New Guinea, with 100 people feared dead

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a huge landslide, which struck a remote village.

The landslide reportedly hit Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, about 600 kilometres north-west of Port Moresby, about 3am.

Residents say current estimates of the death toll sit above 100, though the government has not released an official death toll from the landslide.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the landslide disaster," Marape said.

The prime minister said he was yet to be fully briefed on the situation but that relevant authorities are working diligently to address the disaster.

"We are sending in disaster officials, PNG Defence Force, and the Department of Works and Highways to meet provincial and district officials in Enga and also start relief work, recovery of bodies, and reconstruction of infrastructure."

The Enga Provincial administration says it has also assembled an emergency response team to undertake a rapid impact assessment of the damage.

It called on local health facilities and NGOs to be on stand-by to assist with recovery and relief efforts.

The landslide has also blocked an access road to the town of Porgera, where a large gold mine is located.

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation