Papua New Guinea Landslide: Death Toll Rises to Over 2,000, 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: Death Toll Rises to Over 2,000, Says UN Migration Agency
On May 24, 2024, a catastrophic landslide buried thousands of people in Yambali village, situated at the foot of a mountain in the remote Enga Province of Papua New Guinea. Initial reports significantly underestimated the severity of the disaster, with the death toll initially believed to be around 670. However, recent updates reveal that over 2,000 people are now feared dead, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other agencies involved in the rescue and recovery operations.
Unfolding Tragedy in Yambali Village
In a statement, Serhan Aktoprak, the IOM Chief of Mission in Papua New Guinea, highlighted the catastrophic impact of the landslide. 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 initially 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 1,650 people, with continuous water flow down the mountain and ongoing land movement posing significant risks. Falling boulders further complicate 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. Heavy machinery has been deployed 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 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.
Health and Safety Concerns
There are significant concerns about the potential contamination of local drinking water sources due to underground water flowing down the mountain. Most sources of clean drinking water have become inaccessible due to the landslide, posing severe health risks to the survivors.
International Assistance
Recognizing the urgency and scale of the disaster, the National Disaster Centre has requested immediate international assistance from the UN. The emergency response aims to address the most pressing humanitarian needs, including the distribution of food, provision of shelter, emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance, as well as logistical support and protection measures.
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 information. Those who wish to donate can do so here. The donation will support IOM, whose team is currently helping in the recovery efforts.
Reference
Recovery Efforts Continue after Papua New Guinea Landslide, over 2,000 Feared Dead
