Tahiti Landslide Claims Eight Lives, Triggers Building Safety Investigation
French Polynesia's main island of Tahiti has been struck by a devastating landslide in the town of Afaahiti-Taravao, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives, including a three-year-old girl. The disaster, which affected several homes southeast of Tahiti around 5 am local time on Wednesday, followed days of relentless torrential rains that had saturated the mountainous terrain.
Intense Search Efforts Amidst Challenging Conditions
Emergency services quickly mobilized, mounting a day-and-night search operation. Approximately 200 staff were involved, including gendarmes, firefighters, medical teams, and military personnel, supported by an army helicopter and sniffer dogs. Advanced tools such as underground cameras, radars, and drones were also deployed in the desperate search for potential survivors. However, the challenging conditions, exacerbated by further landslides and mountain collapses due to the immense water accumulation, forced temporary halts to the operations, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Official Response and Community Support
French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and support. A dedicated medico-psychological assistance unit remains active, offering crucial help to the affected local population coping with their loss. The disaster has prompted a wider reflection on the region's building safety standards and infrastructure.
Investigation into "Manslaughter" and Building Regulations
High Commissioner Alexandre Rochatte has confirmed that an investigation into "manslaughter" is now underway. This probe aims to uncover the exact causes of the calamity and determine whether the affected properties complied with existing building regulations, particularly considering that some houses were reportedly over four decades old. President Brotherson acknowledged that current construction requirements have since become significantly stricter, underscoring the evolution of safety protocols.
National Mourning and International Solidarity
In a solemn show of national mourning, flags across French Polynesia's public buildings are flying at half-mast. Friday's Territorial Assembly sitting will commence with a minute of silence to honor the victims. An ecumenical religious service is also being organized to provide solace and comfort to the grieving community.
Messages of condolence and solidarity have poured in from around the globe, including from French President Emmanuel Macron and French Minister for Overseas Territories Naïma Moutchou. Minister Moutchou announced that a team of of geological experts from New Caledonia and Paris is en route to assess the stability of the landslide-affected zone, ensuring future safety and working to prevent further tragedies in the vulnerable region.
