PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea: A catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea has left aid workers grappling with the aftermath while facing additional challenges from nearby tribal violence. The disaster struck a hillside village in Enga province, nearly obliterating it and burying scores of homes and villagers under rubble. Although the official death toll is yet to be determined, fears persist that between 100 and 300 people may have perished.
United Nations official Serhan Aktoprak revealed that tribal fighting erupted along the sole remaining route to the disaster zone, necessitating the deployment of Papua New Guinea’s military to ensure the safe passage of aid convoys. While the violence is deemed unrelated to the landslide, it adds a layer of complexity to relief efforts.
The affected village, once bustling with almost 4,000 residents, served as a trading post for alluvial miners. Despite the perilous conditions, efforts to recover bodies and assess the damage continue. So far, five bodies have been recovered, with more than 100 houses and essential infrastructure destroyed.
The treacherous terrain, characterized by car-sized boulders and sliding earth, poses significant challenges to search and rescue operations. Aid agencies note that the catastrophe has decimated the village’s livestock, food sources, and water supply, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Local speculation suggests heavy rains may have triggered the landslide, a common occurrence in Papua New Guinea’s humid highland regions. As relief efforts intensify, images depict workers laboring with basic tools to clear debris and search for survivors.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have expressed condolences and pledged support for recovery efforts, underscoring the international community’s solidarity with Papua New Guinea in the face of tragedy.
Despite the monumental challenges ahead, aid agencies remain committed to providing assistance and restoring hope to affected communities. With heavy machinery expected to arrive soon, the focus shifts to accelerating recovery efforts and offering solace to those grappling with loss and devastation.
