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Sydney: Unstable terrain, remote locations and damaged roads hamper rescue efforts in Papua New Guinea Landslides feared to have killed 670 people The United Nations said on Monday (May 27) that flooding occurred in the north of the Pacific nation last week.
Emergency teams led by Papua New Guinea defence personnel are on the ground but heavy equipment needed for the rescue has yet to reach the remote village as the main road remains cut off and the only access is by helicopter.
In its latest update, the United Nations said government authorities remained committed to clearing the rubble and improving access to the village.
The agency is preparing to deliver and distribute food and water and said it is assisting in setting up evacuation centers.
Videos posted on social media by villagers and local media teams showed people climbing rocks and digging with shovels, sticks and their bare hands in search of survivors. Women could be heard crying in the background.
Six bodies have been found so far, and the United Nations says the death toll could change as rescue efforts are expected to continue for days.
Local media reported on Monday that residents rescued a couple trapped under the rubble after hearing cries for help.
Johnson and Jack Ryan Youngdam told local NBC News they were very grateful and described their rescue as a miracle.
“We thank God for saving our lives at that moment. We were sure we were going to die, but the big rocks didn’t crush us,” Jacklyn said. “It’s really hard to explain because we were trapped for almost eight hours before we were rescued. We believe we were rescued for a purpose.”
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