Landslide strikes village in Papua New Guinea, more than 100 people feared dead

'The landslide occurred when people were still asleep in the early hours; an entire village has gone down,' says president of association

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - A massive landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea early Friday, with more than 100 people feared dead.

The landslide struck Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, around 600 kilometers (373 miles) northwest of Port Moresby, at about 3 a.m. local time (1700GMT Thursday), ABC News reported.

Residents reported that the death toll may exceed 100, although official figures have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Elizabeth Laruma, president of the Porgera Women in Business Association, said the incident occurred when people were "still asleep in the early hours and the entire village has gone down."

"From what I can presume, it's about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground," she added.

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

Kaynak: