Papua New Guinea landslide raises risk of disease outbreaks, mental health impacts [Video]

Outbreaks of disease could emerge following the devastating landslide that occurred in Papua New Guinea, according to experts.

A mountainside collapse early Friday buried villages in the Enga province, located in the northern region, under rock, soil and rubble — wiping out homes, schools and businesses, local authorities said.

About 670 people are confirmed dead while the country’s National Disaster Center believes the true death toll could be as high as 2,000 with hundreds of bodies trapped under debris.

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Population health and infectious disease experts told ABC News that, after a landslide, standing water, lack of access to medical care and improper sanitation can lead to disease outbreaks. Additionally, mental health can be severely impacted with symptoms lasting for several years after the event.