Tragedy struck the remote village of Kaokalam in Papua New Guinea when a landslide buried over 100 people alive. The disaster occurred early Friday morning when the side of a mountain gave way, causing a massive landslide that engulfed more than 50 homes.
Rescue teams are on the ground, but the death toll is expected to rise as villagers fear the number of casualties could be even higher. The village, located in Enga province, is now inaccessible due to the blocked road, posing a challenge for relief efforts and the supply of essential goods.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has pledged support for the affected families and deployed disaster response teams to the area. The government is working on relief efforts, recovery of bodies, and infrastructure reconstruction.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, it is also preparing for a momentous visit from Pope Francis in September. The Pope is set to embark on an Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, highlighting the significance of the region.
Papua New Guinea, with its diverse population and limited resources, faces challenges in communication and connectivity, especially in rural areas. The landslide tragedy serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the mountainous Highlands region.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kaokalam and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. Let us stand together in solidarity and support as we strive to rebuild and recover from this devastating loss.
Pope Francis to Visit Papua New Guinea
With the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea, the nation’s unique culture and challenges will come into focus. As the Pope travels through Asia and Oceania, he will bring hope and compassion to communities in need, shining a light on the beauty and resilience of the people.
Stay tuned for updates on the Pope’s journey and join us in praying for the healing and restoration of Kaokalam and all those affected by the landslide tragedy. Together, we can make a difference and bring comfort to those in distress.
