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As many as 2000 people are feared to have been buried by last week's massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, according to the country's National Disaster Centre, as rescuers scramble to find any survivors in the remote region.
The landslide occurred in the mountainous Enga region in northern Papua New Guinea on Friday and the latest figure is a sharp rise from earlier estimates.
Australia will send at least $2.5 million in humanitarian aid to help its closest neighbour after the government in Port Moresby issued an open call for help.
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Soon after the disaster occurred, the United Nations said as many as 100 may have died.
That was later revised up to 670, according to estimates from the Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in the country.
But that may now be a major underestimate according to the latest projection from Papua New Guinea's disaster agency.
"The landslide buried more than 2000 people alive and caused major destruction to buildings, food gardens and caused major impact on the economic lifeline of the country," Lusete Laso Mana, Acting Director the National Disaster Centre, said in a letter to the UN.
"The situation remains unstable as the landslip continues to shift slowly, posing ongoing danger to both rescue teams and survivors alike," he added, saying the main highway to the area had been completely blocked by the landslide.
"Following the inspection conducted by the team, it was determined that the damages are extensive and require immediate and collaborative actions from all players."
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the country would send technical experts and emergency relief supplies such as shelter, hygiene kits and specific support for women and children.
"All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guineans at this very difficult time," Marles said tonight.
"As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support."
"Australia's Defence Force is working closely with the PNG Defence Force to assist with the response.
"This work is yet another demonstration of the close partnership between our nations and militaries".
