Papua New Guinea Faces High Risk of Further Landslides at Mount Mungalo

Papua New Guinea authorities have issued a dire warning about the high risk of further landslides at the Mount Mungalo site, where hundreds are feared dead following a devastating landslide. The country's mining and geohazards department has recommended evacuating the area and declaring it a "no-go zone" in light of the dangers posed by landslips, teetering boulders, and underground streams.

A draft internal report by the department highlights the immediate threat of additional landslides, suggesting that access to the area should be restricted to experts. The report states there is a "high likelihood of further landslides to occur in the immediate future."

Why this matters: The situation at Mount Mungalo has significant implications for disaster management and community relocation in Papua New Guinea, a country prone to natural disasters. Failure to evacuate the area and prevent further landslides could lead to additional loss of life and displacement of people.

Rescue workers have ceased efforts to find survivors, but local residents continue to search for loved ones, raising concerns that recovery efforts could trigger another landslide. The use of heavy machinery is particularly risky, as it could dislodge boulders and cause further instability.

The landslide left a 600-meter-long scar of soil, boulders, and debris, affecting an estimated 7,849 people living in two wards. Local officials initially estimated that up to 2,000 people might have been buried, but recent figures suggest the number is in the hundreds. Only nine bodies have been recovered so far.

Aid agencies have set up tents around the landslide site to provide first aid and food, but full-scale rescue and relief efforts have been hampered by the site's remote location, nearby tribal violence, and damage to major road links. Water supply remains a significant concern, since the landslide covered the communities' main water source.

The government report, dated June 3, was conducted by a team of geologists, geo-engineers, and geohazards experts. It emphasizes that the relocation of villagers should be "non-negotiable" to prevent further disasters. "This area has to be declared a no-go-zone," the report insists.

Papua New Guinea is one of the world's most disaster-prone regions, with landslides being extremely common in its highlands. The ongoing threat of further landslides at Mount Mungalo highlights the urgent need for effective disaster management and community relocation to safer areas.

Currently, the situation at Mount Mungalo remains perilous, with authorities urging immediate evacuation and the establishment of a no-go zone to prevent further loss of life.

Key Takeaways

• Papua New Guinea authorities warn of high risk of further landslides at Mount Mungalo site.
• Experts recommend evacuating the area and declaring it a "no-go zone" due to dangers.
• Rescue efforts halted, but local residents continue to search for loved ones, risking another landslide.
• Estimated hundreds feared dead, with only 9 bodies recovered so far.
• Government report emphasizes need for relocation of villagers to prevent further disasters.