Papua New Guinea Landslide: 670 Feared Dead, Says UN Migration Agency
IOM/ Mohamud Omer - Hundreds were buried in a landslide in Yambali village, Papua New Guinea, on May 24, 2024: UN NEWS
Papua New Guinea Landslide: 670 Feared Dead, Says UN Migration Agency
On May 24, 2024, a catastrophic landslide buried hundreds of people in Yambali village, situated at the foot of a mountain in the remote Enga Province of Papua New Guinea. Initial reports underestimated the severity of the disaster, but recent updates have painted a grim picture. According to Serhan Aktoprak, the country head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the death toll is now believed to be around 670, significantly higher than early estimates.
Unfolding Tragedy in Yambali Village
In an interview on Sunday, Mr. Aktoprak revealed that the community is buried under six to eight meters of soil, making rescue operations extremely challenging. Approximately 150 houses are believed to be buried, which is around 90 more than previously reported. The prospects of finding survivors are diminishing with each passing hour. "The community in Yambali village is buried under a significant amount of soil," Mr. Aktoprak said. "Hopes of finding them alive are shrinking."
Relief Efforts Hampered by Dangerous Conditions
The landslide has displaced around 1,000 people, and the conditions for rescue workers remain perilous. Continuous water flow down the mountain and ongoing land movement pose significant risks, with falling boulders further complicating relief efforts. Despite these dangers, six IOM aid workers, along with personnel from other UN agencies, NGOs, and government bodies, are on the ground trying to locate bodies using any available tools, including spades and sticks. Debris from the landslide has covered large stretches of the single highway into Enga Province, limiting access to the affected area. However, heavy machinery was expected to arrive on Sunday to aid in the recovery efforts.
Coordinated Emergency Response
In response to the disaster, an Emergency Response Coordination Team has been established to lead and coordinate relief efforts. This team includes the Enga Provincial Disaster Coordination Office, the Department of Health, the Department of Provincial Works, police, the Defence Force, and the United Nations. An initial rapid impact assessment conducted by the team identified an urgent need for food, shelter, and medical supplies.
The United Nations Office in Papua New Guinea issued a statement on Saturday, acknowledging the damage to communications infrastructure and access roads to the site. The UN is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with national and provincial government authorities and other partners to assess the extent of the damage, casualties, and the assistance required for those impacted.
How to Support Those in Dire Need
As the tragedy in Papua New Guinea unfolds, it is imperative for the global community to stay informed and offer support where possible. Readers of Info Decon are encouraged to follow updates on the situation, donate to reputable organizations involved in the relief efforts, and spread awareness about the needs of the affected communities. By staying engaged and proactive, we can help provide critical support to those in dire need during this humanitarian crisis. To stay up to date about events like this please continue to visit Info Decon for more. Those who wish to donate can do so here. The donation will support IOM, whose team is currently helping in the recovery efforts.
