At least eight individuals have lost their lives following a devastating landslide that buried homes in Tahiti, part of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), on Wednesday. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours after a week of heavy rainfall that culminated in the catastrophic event.
Authorities swiftly mobilized police and emergency services to conduct search and rescue operations for those suspected to be trapped beneath approximately 30 meters of debris in two homes. The intensity of the situation has prompted the evacuation of nearby residents as a safety precaution.
Territory President Moetai Brotherson has visited the disaster site to assess the situation, which emergency crews describe as highly unstable, making the rescue operation extremely dangerous. In the ongoing effort to locate missing individuals, including a child who is believed to be trapped under the rubble, various resources including sniffer dogs, drones, underground cameras, radar technology, and support from an army helicopter are being utilized.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those missing, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the people in the face of this tragic event.
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