“DEADLY LANDSLIDE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA: OVER 670 FEARED DEAD”
Why in the news?
- A massive landslide in Papua New Guinea has left over 670 people presumed dead, with the UN estimating the toll could be double initial estimates due to ongoing dangerous conditions hampering rescue efforts.
- The landslide buried more than 150 homes in Yambali Village, Enga province, leading to displacement of 1,250 people, as rescue teams face challenges accessing the remote area near the Porgera gold mine.
Source: WorldAtlas
About Papua New Guinea:
- Location: Island country in the southwestern Pacific.
- Includes eastern half of New Guinea and offshore islands.
- Geographical Features:Borders Indonesia (west), Australia (south), Solomon Islands (southeast).
- Capital: Port Moresby.
- Cultural Aspects:Linguistically diverse with 800+ languages.
- Self-governing since 1973, independent since 1975.
About Landslide:
● Geological phenomenon involving downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on a slope. ● Can range from small, localized shifts to massive and destructive events. Causes of Landslides: ● Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities (e.g., construction, mining). ● Changes in groundwater levels can also trigger landslides. About Porgera Gold Mine: ● Location: The Porgera Gold Mine is situated near Porgera in the Enga province of Papua New Guinea (PNG). ● Operation: It is a large-scale mining operation primarily focused on gold and silver extraction. |