Papua New Guinea orders evacuations as fear of second landslide looms

The Papua New Guinea government had ordered evacuations on Tuesday after a massive landslide buried over 2,000 people under the mud. 

Further fears of a second landslide and disease outbreak also loom in Enga province.

According to officials, the still-active landslides are posing a major challenge to the rescue operations.

It has been difficult to access the northern Enga region of the Pacific nation since Friday, said officials.

The treacherous terrain was making it difficult for the heavy equipment and aid to arrive in the landslide-hit areas as well.

Residents are using sticks, shovels and their bare hands to search for the survivors. 

According to the United Nations, only six bodies have been recovered so far.

The total affected population, including those needing possible evacuation and relocation, was estimated at 7,849.

A bridge collapsing on the main highway has again forced the aid convoys to take the longer route.

The Papua New Guinea government on Sunday officially asked the United Nations for additional help and to coordinate contributions from individual nations.

An Australian disaster response team is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday to assist the relief efforts. Australia's minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, said the government would also provide long-term logistical support for clearing debris, recovering bodies and supporting displaced people. The government announced an initial aid package of 2.5 million Australian dollars (USD 1.7 million).

India on Tuesday announced an immediate financial aid of USD 1 million to provide relief and assistance.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed India's readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island country in its time of difficulty.