Allan Moore
Makati, Manila
editor@sapt.news
Enga Province, Papua New Guinea—In a devastating natural disaster, a massive landslide struck the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea, burying over 1,100 houses and blocking crucial highway access. The landslide, which occurred in the early hours of May 24, 2024, has left the region in a state of emergency, with rescue and relief efforts hampered by the isolation caused by the blocked highways.
The landslide, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, swept through several villages in the mountainous region, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands of residents. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, however About 670 people are estimated to be buried under the massive landslide, a UN official has said. The head of the International Organization for Migration in Papua New Guinea, Serhan Aktoprak, has said the impact of the landslide in the country’s isolated Enga province was greater than initially thought.
Prime Minister James Marape expressed his deep concern and sorrow over the disaster. In a statement, he assured the nation that the government is taking immediate action to address the crisis. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Enga Province during this tragic time. The PNG Defense Forces and the Department of Works and Highways have mobilized and are responding to the situation. We are committed to providing all necessary support to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Marape said.
Due to the blocked highways, conventional vehicular access to the affected areas is exceptionally difficult or impossible, leaving helicopters as the only viable means of transportation for rescue and relief operations. The PNG Defense Forces have deployed several helicopters to airlift stranded residents, deliver emergency supplies, and transport medical personnel to the disaster zone. These operations are being conducted round the clock, with each helicopter making multiple trips to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
The Department of Works and Highways also tirelessly works to clear the debris and restore access to the blocked roads. However, the scale of the landslide and the challenging terrain make these efforts extremely difficult.
“We are facing a monumental task,” said Minister for Works and Highways Michael Nali. “Our teams are working around the clock to clear the highways, but the sheer volume of debris and the continuous threat of further landslides are significant obstacles. We are prioritizing the safety of our workers while trying to expedite the process as much as possible.”
The landslide’s humanitarian impact is immense. Thousands of residents have lost their homes and are in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical care. Local hospitals are already under strain and struggling to cope with the influx of injured individuals. The risk of waterborne diseases is also a significant concern, as sanitation systems have been severely disrupted. Immediate assistance is needed to provide temporary shelters, food supplies, clean water, and medical aid to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
The Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations are coordinating with the government to provide emergency relief. “We are deploying all available resources to assist the affected communities,” said PNG Red Cross President Waqa Blake. “The immediate priorities are to provide temporary shelters, ensure access to clean water, and deliver medical aid. We are also setting up crisis centers to help reunite families who the disaster has separated.”
Amidst the overwhelming devastation, the indomitable spirit of resilience among the local communities shines through. Residents are uniting, sharing their resources, and lending a hand in the rescue efforts. Community leaders are playing a pivotal role in coordinating local responses, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. Their unwavering determination is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The international community has swiftly rallied to support Papua New Guinea in this crisis. Neighboring countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have extended their assistance, with Australia already dispatching a team of disaster response experts to bolster the PNG government’s efforts. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s words echo the sentiment of unity, ‘We stand in solidarity with Papua New Guinea during this challenging time and are ready to provide any assistance needed.’
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has spoken about New Zealand being “saddened by the significant loss of life”.“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and the Government and people of Papua New Guinea as they respond to this tragedy,” Peters posted on X. “New Zealand stands ready to consider any requests for assistance from Papua New Guinea as it deals with the situation.”
The road to recovery for Enga Province will be long and arduous. In addition to the immediate rescue and relief efforts, significant reconstruction and rehabilitation will be needed. The government has pledged to work with international partners and local communities to rebuild the affected areas and implement measures to mitigate the risk of future landslides.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized the importance of resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. “This tragedy has underscored the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience. We will be taking lessons from this event to strengthen our infrastructure and ensure that our communities are better equipped to withstand such disasters in the future.”
As the rescue and relief efforts continue, the nation’s thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Enga Province, who are enduring unimaginable hardship. The collective efforts of the government, humanitarian organizations, and the international community will be crucial in helping them recover and rebuild their lives.
