Australia to Send Aid to Papua New Guinea After Deadly Landslide

Australia is set to dispatch aid and equipment, including aircraft, to assist in the aftermath of a deadly landslide in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The landslide, which occurred on Friday in the Yambali village of Enga province, has claimed approximately 670 lives, according to the United Nations. Overnight rains have increased fears of further instability in the rubble that buried the village.

Richard Marles, Australia’s Defense Minister, announced that Australian officials have been in discussion with their PNG counterparts to coordinate the support effort. The assistance aims to enhance search and rescue operations under extremely challenging conditions.

In response to the disaster, PNG’s Defense Minister Billy Joseph and National Disaster Center Director Laso Mana surveyed the affected area on Sunday. They are assessing whether more international aid will be needed. The PNG government has already allocated emergency funds for the 4,000 displaced survivors.

The landslide has severely hampered rescue efforts, as debris is piled up to 26 feet deep, covering an area the size of several football fields. Sparse communications and damaged roads are complicating access to the site. Heavy earth-moving equipment has started arriving, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Social media footage depicts villagers using rudimentary tools to search for survivors. Only six bodies have been retrieved so far. The UN notes that the number of casualties could change as efforts continue. Landslides and water seeping under the debris pose significant risks to both rescuers and residents.

Moreover, tribal violence in the region has compounded security concerns, with reports of additional fatalities and property destruction. Rescue teams, escorted by military personnel, are attempting to ensure safe passage through the affected areas.

The landslide occurred near the Porgera gold mine, operated by a joint venture between Barrick Gold and China’s Zijin Mining. Discussions between PNG and Australia continue to finalize the nature of the support needed.

The situation remains dire as the region braces for potential further landslides amid ongoing adverse weather conditions.