Over 670 feared dead after landslide buries hundreds in Papua New Guinea

YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. Unstable terrain, remote locations and damaged roads are hampering relief efforts in Papua New Guinea (PNG) after more than 670 people were feared killedin a landslide last week in the Pacific nation's north, the United Nations said on Monday.

According to Reuters, Emergency crews, led by Papua New Guinea's defence personnel, were on the ground, but heavy equipment required for the rescue had yet to reach the remote village, as the main road remained cut off and the only access was via helicopter.

PNG media on Monday reported that residents had rescued a couple trapped under the rubble after hearing their cries for help.

About 1,250 people have been displacedby the landslide, which occurred in PNG's Enga province early Friday. More than 150 houses were buried and about 250 houses abandoned.

The Irish Times, citing a letter from the national disaster center official to the United Nations, reports that the landslide buried more than 2,000 people alive and caused major destruction to buildings, food gardens and caused major impact on the economic lifeline of the country.