Landslide in Papua New Guinea buries six villages
By Jessica Jeyamaridas
A landslide has swept through six villages in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The earth gave way in a remote area of Enga province at around three in the morning local time on Friday 24 May, catching the population in their sleep. More than 2000 people are missing and feared dead, many of these are children.
The desperate search for survivors
The disaster caused several villages to be razed to the ground, burying entire families alive in the worst massacre the country has seen in decades. So far, at least 670 people have been confirmed dead, although according to the National Disaster Centre at the UN, the death toll 鈥渋s likely to be higher鈥�.
Help for the inhabitants of Papua New Guinea
UN Secretary General, António Guterres said he was 鈥渄eeply saddened鈥� by the news of the hundreds of lives lost. He added that "the United Nations and its partners are supporting the government's efforts鈥� and that the UN is 鈥渞eady to offer further assistance at this difficult time." US President, Joe Biden described Papua New Guinea as a 鈥渃lose partner and friend鈥�.
杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� message of condolence
The Vatican鈥檚 Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram conveying the Holy Father鈥檚 closeness to the people of Papua New Guinea. "杏MAP导航 Francis is deeply saddened by the news of the devastation caused by the landslide in the province of Enga, Papua New Guinea, and assures his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this disaster." 杏MAP导航 Francis also assured his prayers "for the dead, for those who mourn their loss and for the rescue of the many people still missing鈥�.
Finally, the Holy Father offered words of encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their relief efforts.
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