MAJORITY LANDSLIDE VICTIMS NOT FROM THE AFFECTED VILLAGE

THE landslide at Kukas village in the Minamb Valley constituency of Wapenamanda District claimed a total of 21 lives as confirmed by a medical worker on the ground.

Laura Daniel who is attached with the Enga Provincial Health Authority (EPHA) confirmed that a total of 21 lives were buried alive when this natural disaster unexpected struck this village.

She revealed that out of the total casualties, only two were from Kukas village belonging to the Yarapaki clan while the 19 deceased are from the Yambalakin Tribe in the Lower Lai constituency of Wapenamanda District.

“Among the deceased is a pregnant women so that adds the total death toll to 21,” Daniel said.

An emergency response team from the Provincial Disaster Office along with joint security forces are on the ground clearing the debris and making further assessments to assist the survivors with food supplies, water and make arrangements to organise temporary shelter accordingly.

Director of the National Disaster Officer Lusete Mana, who is from this affected area, confirmed that a big land slide occurred around 2 a.m. this morning, covering 3 houses and killing more than 20 people.

13 dead bodies have already been identified from the site, which included a young toddler and the mother.

“Im totally lost for words since the disaster has struck my immediate people,” Mana said.

The Provincial Disaster Office is closely working with security forces on the ground to unearth the remaining bodies buried under the landslide.

The main Highlands Highway in this part of Wapenamanda District is clear for the traveling public with security forces on the ground, ensuring normalcy.

Photos show some of the 13 dead bodies already removed from the landslide at Kukas village in the Minamb Valley constituency of Wapenamanda District, Enga Province.