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Tahiti Landslide Claims Eight Lives, Including a 3-Year-Old
Papeete, French Polynesia – All eight people missing after a landslide buried two homes in the village of Afaahiti, Tahiti, have been found dead, the Papeete prosecutor’s office confirmed Thursday, November 27.The victims include three women, four men, and a 3-year-old girl. Authorities have stated there is no indication of additional victims remaining in the debris.
The tragedy unfolded Wednesday following days of heavy rainfall on the island. The discovery concludes a desperate search effort involving dozens of first responders and military personnel, and marks a devastating loss for the close-knit community of Afaahiti. an investigation has been launched too determine the circumstances surrounding the landslide, entrusted to the research brigade of the national gendarmerie in French Polynesia.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support to the affected families, stating, “I address to the families affected by the tragedy of Afaahiti all the support of the nation.”
Twenty-nine homes were evacuated as a precaution, and a psychological support unit has been deployed to assist families and neighbors. Rescue operations involved a significant mobilization of resources, including 40 firefighters, 30 municipal police officers, 20 gendarmes, 30 soldiers, and an army Dauphin helicopter. Macron also commended the dedication of the rescuers, stating, “I salute the commitment of the rescuers, firefighters, gendarmes, municipal teams, Tavana, and also the State and national services mobilized tirelessly in the search for the missing and securing the area.”
