Landslide in Papua New Guinea's Enga Province Leaves Thousands Buried and Sparks Humanitarian Crisis

A catastrophic landslide struck Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, on May 24, 2024, burying thousands of residents and creating a dire humanitarian crisis. The disaster has left an estimated 2,000 people buried under the debris, according to the Papua New Guinea National Disaster Centre.

The United Nations has issued a grave warning about the significant risk of disease outbreaks among the displaced residents. The primary needs identified include clean water, purification tablets, and food supplies. The situation is exacerbated by the contamination of local water sources, which poses a serious threat of diseases such as diarrhea and malaria.

Relief efforts are underway, but they have been hampered by treacherous mountain terrain, a damaged bridge on the main road, and tribal unrest in the area. Heavy equipment and aid have been slow to arrive, further complicating the rescue and recovery operations.

Why this matters: The landslide in Papua New Guinea has significant humanitarian implications, highlighting the need for international cooperation and disaster response preparedness. If left unaddressed, the crisis could lead to a catastrophic disease outbreak, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 1,650 people have been displaced, with a significant portion of them being children under the age of six. The IOM's chief, Serhan Aktoprak, expressed concerns about the risk of contagious diseases, stating, "My biggest fear at the moment is corpses are decaying, water is flowing, and this is going to pose serious health risks."

In response to the disaster, the New Zealand government has provided a support package worth approximately $1.5 million. This includes a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H (NZ) Hercules aircraft carrying relief supplies such as tools, shelter, and hygiene products. New Zealand has also deployed technical experts to assist in geo-hazards and emergency management.

Rear Admiral James Gilmour, Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, conveyed his condolences to those affected, saying, "My thoughts reach out to those that are still searching for loved ones after the landslide in Enga province. We will work with our Papua New Guinea neighbours to understand what it is they require and we stand ready to assist them if needed."

The response to the disaster has also seen contributions from Australia, which has sent a disaster response team, including a geohazard assessment team and drones to help map the site. The Australian government has committed an initial aid package of 2.5 million Australian dollars (1.7 million USD) and has offered long-term logistical support for clearing debris, recovering bodies, and supporting displaced people.

The landslide has affected several villages, with residents digging through the earth in search of buried relatives. The stench of dead bodies has become overwhelming, and witnesses report a significant risk of disease outbreak. "The creeks now flowing from the debris are contaminated, posing a significant risk of disease outbreak," stated the UN's migration agency.

The search for survivors having been called off, the focus has shifted to recovering human remains. Sandis Tsaka, Enga province disaster committee chairman, noted, "No bodies are expected to be alive under the debris at this point, so it's a full recovery operation to recover any human remains."

The landslide in Enga Province has created a critical humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people in urgent need of clean water, purification tablets, and food supplies. The international community's support is vital in mitigating the impact of this disaster and preventing further loss of life.

Key Takeaways

• 2,000 people buried in landslide in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.
• UN warns of significant disease risk due to contaminated water sources.
• 1,650 people displaced, including many children under 6.
• New Zealand and Australia provide aid packages worth $1.5m and $1.7m respectively.
• Focus shifts to recovering human remains after search for survivors called off.