Massive landslide in Papua New Guinea kills at least 670 people

At least 670 people have died as a result of the massive landslide in Papua New Guinea.

The number is expected to rise after the search and rescue operation, according to an International Organization for Migration official.

The incident took place in Enga province.

"Landslides and falling rocks continue, the ground is cracking, endangering the lives of everyone," said the official of the International Organization for Migration, Serhan Aktoprak.

More than 4,000 people are likely to have been affected by the disaster, humanitarian group CARE Australia said.

About six villages were affected by the landslide in the province's Mulitaka region, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Papua New Guinea, with a population of about 10 million, is a diverse, developing nation of mostly subsistence farmers with 800 languages. Outside the big cities there are few roads.

It is located on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world's earthquakes and volcanic activity occur.

In March, the country was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake.

The US and Australia are building closer defense ties with the strategically important nation, while China is also seeking closer security and economic ties.

US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said their governments were ready to help respond to the landslide.