Overview of the Landslide Disaster in Papua New Guinea
The disaster on May 24 struck six remote villages in the Maip-Mulitaka area of Enga province while most residents were asleep. More than 150 houses were submerged under debris.
Evacuation Efforts and Challenges
Papua New Guinea is urgently evacuating approximately 7,900 residents from villages close to the landslide site due to fears of new landslides. The evacuation effort is facing dangers such as rockfalls and treacherous terrain. Enga provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka mentioned the ongoing challenges, stating, “Every hour you can hear rock breaking – it is like a bomb or gunshot and the rocks keep falling down.”
Impact and Response
The massive landslide has already buried over 2,000 people, a significantly higher number than initially estimated. Obtaining accurate data in the remote region has been challenging, with the last reliable census conducted in 2000.
Efforts to provide aid have been hindered by the area’s isolation and tribal conflicts. Defence Minister Billy Joseph outlined the swift response involving both Papua New Guinea and Australian Defence Forces within 24 hours. International aid from countries like Australia and China has started to arrive.
Current Situation and Challenges
Despite international aid and rescue efforts, the conditions remain perilous. Rain and unstable ground continue to complicate the rescue operations. The UN migration agency’s mission chief in Papua New Guinea expressed the grim reality, indicating the slim chances of finding survivors.
Local pastor Matthew Hewitt Tapus described the chaotic situation, with families separated and uncertainty prevailing among the affected population.