Massive landslide in Papua New Guinea buries over 2,000
Papua New Guinea reported to the United Nations (UN) on Monday that a landslide had buried alive over 2,000 people in a remote village. The country's national disaster center informed the UN office in Port Moresby about the "major destruction to buildings, food gardens" and its "major impact on the economic lifeline of the country". The calamity occurred when a large section of Mount Mungalo collapsed early Friday morning, virtually erasing a once-thriving hillside village in Enga province.
Landslide blocks key highway, impacts economy
The landslide also obstructed the main highway to Porgera Mine, further straining the country's economy. The situation remains precarious as the landslip continues to shift slowly, posing a continuous threat to both rescue teams and survivors. The national disaster center called for "immediate and collaborative actions from all players," including military forces, national and regional responders. They requested the UN to inform Papua New Guinea's development partners "and other international friends" about the current situation.
Rescue operations face challenges in rural location
The affected area, home to nearly 4,000 residents, presents significant challenges for search and rescue operations due to its rural location. Sandis Tsaka, the provincial administrator for Enga, underscored the potential for a high death toll given the landslide struck a densely populated region and a crucial transportation route. As of Sunday, only six bodies had been recovered and survivors were being relocated to safer areas due to unstable earth and ongoing tribal warfare.
Survivors relocated, health workers dispatched
Justine McMahon, country director of CARE International, stated that moving survivors to "more stable ground" was an immediate priority along with providing them with food, water, and shelter. Medical facilities were among those buried in the landslide but there are other health facilities in the region. The provincial government is dispatching health workers and the World Health Organization is mobilizing staff. The unstable terrain, remote location, and nearby tribal warfare are hampering relief efforts in Papua New Guinea.
Emergency crews face challenges
Emergency crews led by Papua New Guinea's defense personnel were on site but faced challenges due to the unstable terrain, remote location and nearby tribal warfare. Social media footage showed villagers digging with shovels, sticks and their bare hands in an attempt to find survivors. About 1,250 people have been displaced by the landslide which buried more than 150 houses and forced about 250 houses to be abandoned.
