A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province on May 24 has left more than 2,000 people buried alive, according to the country’s government estimates. The catastrophe occurred around Yambali village, with local authorities providing grim assessments of the situation.
The National Disaster Centre, in a letter to the UN released on Monday, confirmed the staggering toll and highlighted the ongoing danger posed by the unstable terrain. Approximately 1,250 individuals have been displaced by the landslide, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Justine McMahon, Country Director of CARE International PNG, described the daunting task facing rescue teams, with around 4,000 people residing near the affected area. The landslide, burying houses under eight meters of debris, has presented immense challenges for search and rescue operations.
Despite efforts by local and rescue workers, only six bodies have been recovered thus far. The use of heavy earth-moving machinery, including an excavator donated by a local builder, marks a crucial step in bolstering rescue efforts.
Australia has pledged assistance, with Defense Minister Richard Marles confirming preparations to deploy aircraft and additional equipment to aid in search and rescue operations. However, security concerns stemming from tribal violence in the region have complicated road travel, necessitating military escorts for convoys of rescue teams.
The tragedy in Papua New Guinea underscores the urgent need for coordinated international support to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and address humanitarian crises. As rescue efforts continue amidst challenging conditions, the global community stands in solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea in their time of immense loss and hardship.
