In a devastating turn of events, the International Organization for Migration has raised its estimate of the death toll from a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea to more than 670. As emergency responders and grief-stricken relatives come to terms with the tragedy, hopes of finding any survivors fade away.

According to Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the U.N. migration agency's mission in the South Pacific island nation, the revised death toll is based on calculations by Yambali village and Enga provincial officials. Initial reports suggested that 60 homes were buried by the landslide, but further assessments revealed that over 150 homes had been engulfed in the disaster.

"They are estimating that more than 670 people (are) under the soil at the moment," said Aktoprak, highlighting the magnitude of the catastrophe. The recovery efforts have been met with challenges, including tons of unstable earth and ongoing tribal warfare in the Papua New Guinea Highlands.

As a result of the landslide and shifting ground, approximately 1,250 people have been left homeless, with around 250 additional houses condemned due to safety concerns. The government is now exploring the possibility of seeking additional international support to address the repercussions of this tragedy.

Despite the grim reality, rescue crews have persevered, but their hopes of finding survivors beneath the 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 feet) deep debris have diminished. Aktoprak expressed that the new estimated death toll is not entirely definitive as it is based on the average size of families in the region. However, he acknowledged the need for realistic figures and refrained from speculating on the possibility of a higher toll.

Concurrently, the government authorities have been working on establishing evacuation centers on safer grounds to accommodate the affected population. However, the recovery efforts have been hampered by tribal clashes that erupted in Tambitanis village, leading to eight fatalities and the destruction of many homes and businesses.

As convoys transport essential supplies to the devastated village, concerns regarding the safety and security of personnel and goods have arisen. Aktoprak stated that while tribal combatants may not target the convoys directly, opportunistic criminals may take advantage of the chaotic situation.

The challenging task of determining the exact population of the affected village is complicated by ongoing tribal violence, which has led to people seeking refuge in the area. Efforts are underway to move survivors to more stable grounds, prioritize their immediate needs such as food, water, and shelter, and assess the number of injuries and missing individuals.

The Papua New Guinea Defense Minister and the director of the National Disaster Center are conducting an on-site evaluation to determine the necessary requirements. Moreover, international aid from countries like the United States and Australia, who have expressed their willingness to assist, may be requested pending the government's official decision.

Papua New Guinea, a diverse nation with a developing economy and a population of 10 million relying mainly on subsistence farming, is now facing an overwhelming tragedy. As the country mourns and the recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on providing support and aid to those affected by this devastating landslide.