A massive landslide hit villages in the Enga province of Papua New Guinea on May 24, 2024, leaving hundreds of people feared dead and thousands more affected. The exact number of casualties is still uncertain as rescue efforts continue.
According to reports from various sources, including local officials and humanitarian organizations, the landslide occurred around 3:00 a.m. local time on Friday (17:00 GMT on Thursday). It buried hundreds of homes in the highlands of Enga, an isolated region in the north of the island nation.
The affected villages include Yambali and surrounding areas, which are located some 50km (31 miles) from Wabag, the provincial capital. The disaster struck while people were asleep.
Enga province MP Amos Akem reported that over 300 people and 1,182 houses were buried in the landslide. However, this number is yet to be confirmed by official sources.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by difficult terrain and damage to main roads. The area can only be accessed via helicopter at present.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that some 3,900 people have been affected by the disaster, with approximately 60 homes completely destroyed.
Three bodies have been recovered so far, but it is feared that the death toll could be significantly higher. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the situation as a 'human catastrophe'.
The landslide covered an area of about three to four football fields and left residents in shock. Some houses were spared by the disaster, but many were completely destroyed.
Emergency services, including medics and military personnel, have been deployed to the site. The Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society has also dispatched an emergency response team to assist with relief work and recovery efforts.
The government is working with local officials to provide relief work, recover bodies, and reconstruct infrastructure. Prime Minister James Marape has urged people not to panic and assured them that the situation is being handled.
The cause of the landslide remains unclear at this time. The area affected by the disaster covers a large area, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach all those in need.
