Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster Update
Recent reports indicate that the devastating landslide in the north of Papua New Guinea has resulted in a higher number of casualties than initially estimated. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Country Head, Serhan Aktoprak, has provided alarming details regarding the situation.
Severity of the Landslide
Yambali village, located at the base of a mountain in the remote Enga Province, is now buried under an estimated six to eight meters of soil. This catastrophic event has resulted in the burial of approximately 150 houses, a significantly higher number than previously reported. Tragically, around 670 individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the debris, with diminishing hopes of finding survivors.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The IOM, in collaboration with other UN agencies, NGOs, and government entities, has deployed aid workers to the site. However, the challenging conditions, including ongoing water flow and land movements, pose significant risks to the rescue teams. Moreover, falling boulders are impeding the relief operations.
Efforts to locate and retrieve bodies are underway, with volunteers utilizing any available tools, such as spades and sticks. The debris obstructing the main highway to Enga Province has hampered access to the affected area, but the arrival of heavy machinery is anticipated to facilitate the recovery process.
Humanitarian Response
The landslide has displaced approximately 1,000 individuals, and there are concerns that the death toll may escalate. An Emergency Response Coordination Team, comprising various government bodies and the United Nations, has been established to lead the relief endeavors.
An initial assessment has identified urgent requirements for food, shelter, and medical supplies. The United Nations, in close coordination with local authorities and partners, is closely monitoring the situation to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary assistance for the affected population.