Supplies and Aid Arrive at Landslide Site in Papua New Guinea
Supplies of food and medicine have started to reach the scene of a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, where aid workers have encountered children who have been left speechless by the trauma of the disaster.
Tragic Landslide in Enga Province
The government of Papua New Guinea has estimated that up to 2,000 individuals may be trapped beneath a massive landslide that struck a thriving highland settlement in western Enga province on May 24.
Despite days of intense digging with basic tools, only six bodies have been recovered from the mountain of debris and mud.
Australian Assistance and Challenges Faced
Ground crew and members of the Royal Australian Air Force have been loading aid onto aircraft to reach the landslide site in Mulitaka village, Maip Mulitaka region, western Enga province.
The difficulties in delivering aid to the site, coupled with the government’s response time, have led to a sense of desperation and frustration among those affected.
Community Response and Mourning
With rescue teams no longer hopeful of finding survivors, the community is beginning to come to terms with the emotional and physical toll of the tragedy.
Local residents have started holding “haus krai” funeral processions to mourn the dead, with images showing mourners carrying caskets through the forested valley.
Impact on Children and Relief Efforts
Aid groups are concerned about the impact on children, with reports indicating that many have become silent due to the trauma they have witnessed.
Efforts are underway to provide essential supplies such as hygiene kits, food, shelter, blankets, and mosquito nets to those in need.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The remote location of the site, tribal violence in the vicinity, and damage to major road links have severely hindered rescue and relief efforts.
Provincial leaders are urging the government to declare a national emergency to attract attention and resources to the affected area.
Political Context and Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister James Marape has yet to visit the disaster site, remaining in the capital amid political challenges.
There are concerns that the focus on political issues may divert attention from the urgent needs arising from one of the country’s worst natural disasters.
Marape highlighted the impact of extreme weather events in the region, emphasizing the scale of the tragedy.
