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Hundreds feared dead after landslide flattens remote Papua New Guinea town

Hundreds are feared dead after a massive landslide levelled dozens of homes and buried households alive in a remote town in northern Papua New Guinea early on Friday, a citizen said.

More than 50 homes, lots of with individuals still asleep inside, were buried when the landslide struck Kaokalam town around 3 a.m., villager Ninga Function informed by phone. The death toll was almost 300, amongst them his bro and cousin, he stated.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp and other local media reported that more than 100 individuals had actually been killed.

One male who reversed to attempt and save his two kids was buried along with his extended household, Role said.

Social media footage posted by Role revealed people climbing over rocks, uprooted trees and mounds of dirt looking for survivors. Ladies might be heard weeping in the background.

It's very impossible, the location covered by the landslide is big and there are rocks and trees all over, Function stated.

It's extremely hard to get them out.

The town remains in Enga province, about 600 km (370 miles). north of the capital, Port Moresby.

Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement he was yet. to be totally briefed, however that authorities were reacting to the. disaster.

We are sending out in catastrophe officials, PNG Defence Force,. and the Department of Functions and Highways to satisfy provincial and. district authorities in Enga and likewise begin relief work, recovery. of bodies, and reconstruction of facilities, Marape said.

I will release additional details as I am totally informed on. the scale of destruction and loss of lives.

PNG authorities did not right away react to ask for. comment.

The landslide struck a section of highway near the Porgera gold. mine, operated by Barrick Gold through Barrick Niugini. Ltd, its joint venture with China's Zijin Mining.

The level of the damage is still being assessed, so it is. prematurely to understand the effect, if any, on the operations of the. Porgera Cash Cow, which is 100 km away, a representative for. Barrick Gold said.

Porgera currently has sufficient fuel on-site to operate. usually for 40 days and other important materials for longer, the. spokesperson added.

(source: Reuters)