A devastating landslide occurred in Papua New Guinea on May 27, 2024, leaving an estimated 2,000 people dead or missing according to various sources. The village of Yambali in Enga province was completely wiped out when a hillside gave way at around 3am local time. Rescue efforts have been ongoing since the disaster struck but hopes for finding survivors are fading.
The exact cause of the landslide is still unclear, but some reports suggest that deforestation and climate change may have contributed to the instability of the mountain. The area has a history of natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Local residents, many of whom lost their families in the disaster, have led rescue efforts at the site. However, every hour rocks continue to fall down and fears are growing for nearby villages as ground continues to shift. Evacuations have been ordered for thousands of residents over fears of further landslides.
The United Nations has put the possible death toll at 670 based on calculations that over 150 homes had been buried. However, this figure is far lower than local estimates and varying figures stem from challenges in accurately assessing the population. The last reliable census was in 2000 and the voter roll doesn't include those under 18.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has formally asked for international help to assist with relief efforts, reporting 'major destruction' in Yambali village. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is among the organizations providing aid and assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Despite the challenges, former local government head Jiman Yandam has vowed to keep looking for the missing: 'Tomorrow morning and every day, we will get strength from the food we're given and we will continue to dig. We don't know where the bodies are buried, but we will not give up.'
The last reported figure of fatalities was six, but it is unclear how many people have been accounted for and how many remain missing.
