Rescue efforts to dig out possible survivors buried under the rubble of a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are facing significant dangers and challenges, a United Nations official said on Monday.

The landslide struck PNG's Enga Province in the early hours of Friday while many people were asleep at home. One village was entirely flattened by the torrent of mud and debris.

Rescuers are battling in the face of adverse weather conditions and the risk of further landslides, said Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Pacific island country.

Enga Province, Papua New Guinea - May 27, 2024

Storyline:
Rescue efforts to dig out possible survivors buried under the rubble of a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are facing significant dangers and challenges, a United Nations official said on Monday.

The landslide struck PNG's Enga Province in the early hours of Friday while many people were asleep at home. One village was entirely flattened by the torrent of mud and debris.

Rescuers are battling in the face of adverse weather conditions and the risk of further landslides, said Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Pacific island country.

If the region experiences any more rainfall in the near future, it could lead to an unprecedented disaster, he added.

The PNG National Disaster Center has confirmed that more than 2,000 people were buried alive in the landslide.

Shotlist:
Enga Province, Papua New Guinea - May 27, 2024:
1. Various of landslide site, rescuers, other people.

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