Papua New Guinea Faces Risks of Second Landslide and Disease Outbreak

ENGA PROVINCE, Papua New Guinea (28 May 2024) – Authorities in Papua New Guinea are concerned about the possibility of a second landslide and a disease outbreak at the site of a recent mass-casualty disaster. The disaster struck the village of Yambali in the remote highlands when a limestone mountainside sheared away on Friday, burying the village under tons of debris.

UN officials estimate that around 670 villagers have died, while the Papua New Guinea government believes the number could be over 2,000. To date, only five bodies have been recovered as villagers sift through the rubble using shovels and bare hands.

Dr. Serhan Aktoprak, the head of the International Organization for Migration’s mission in Papua New Guinea, expressed concerns about trapped water streams exacerbating the instability of the debris and bodies decaying under the rubble, increasing the risk of contagious diseases. An evacuation alert has been issued for about 8,000 people due to fears that further land movement could worsen the situation.

Australia has sent a disaster response team, including geotechnical experts and drones to assist with site mapping and stabilization. Heavy machinery from Papua New Guinea’s military and local builders is being used to aid the recovery and clearance operations.

In response to the disaster, the UN is coordinating international aid and logistical support, while humanitarian agencies work on providing essential supplies to the affected population.