A massive landslide struck remote villages in Enga Province in Papua New Guinea's highlands on Friday, local officials said, with many homes believed to be buried and scores of villagers feared dead.

The landslide reportedly occurred at about 3:00 a.m. when many people were at home asleep. 

Provincial governor Peter Ipatas said that "there has been a big landslide causing loss of life and property" amid unconfirmed reports that hundreds may be buried. He later said that "more than six villages" had been hit, describing the scene as an "unprecedented natural disaster" that had caused "substantial damages."

Some media outlets reported about 100 people were dead and the toll could be much higher, citing local villagers.  

Following reports of the landslide, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

The prime minister said he was yet to be fully briefed on the situation but relevant authorities are working to address the situation.

The provincial administration said it has already assembled an emergency response team to undertake a rapid impact assessment of the damage.

The Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea said it has not received any reports of Chinese casualties or property losses of Chinese-funded enterprises, and added that it's closely following the situation. 

(With input from agencies)