In Enga, Papua New Guinea (PNG), villagers and rescue teams are working non-stop to unearth survivors and recover bodies after a devastating landslide buried over 2000 people. The landslide that completely wiped out an entire village in Enga Province, has only located very few bodies. Delays in the rescue operation are happening due to deep unstable rubble and insufficient equipment for the task. Amidst the tragedy, a couple was rescued miraculously after their home narrowly escaped the full force of the landslide but was still covered by rocks. Johnson and Jacklyn Yandam were lucky survivors who thanked those who saved them and called it a miracle. The Yandams told PNG’s local news that they had accepted their fate and were ready to die together
Speaking to the portal, Jacklyn said, “We thank God for saving our lives at that moment. We were certain that we were going to die but the big rocks didn’t crush us. It’s really hard to explain as we got trapped for nearly eight hours, then got rescued. We believe we were saved for a purpose.”
According to a witness present at the scene, spoke to RNZ Pacific and revealed that large rocks fell around the Yandam’s house, which created a barrier, and shielded them from additional debris. The witness mentioned if the couple wasn’t found on time, Johnson and Jacklyn Yandam might have died due to hunger and dehydration. The Yandams, who have three children, felt lucky as all their children were not at Kaolokam when the disaster happened.
According to the BBC’s reports, nearly 3,800 people lived in the village prior to the horrible event. Meanwhile, according to an on-site visit made by a local leader, the villagers were feeling deserted and left alone to help themselves. They came together, used shovels and bare hands in an effort to save lives and retrieve dead bodies. The community leader was also worried about how slowly things were progressing and stated that it has been days since many bodies are still trapped under the rubble. The site is still heavily covered, making it difficult for rescuers to reach and recover them. The residents are appealing to the government for help in this horrible situation.
However, a police official from the province reported that soldiers arrived at the scene and were working to remove big rocks in an effort to free those who are trapped.
Comments
0 comment