Massive landslide occurs. - Concerns about potential landslides in Papua New Guinea
In the mountains of Papua New Guinea, there's a risk of over 2000 deaths from landslides after a massive one wiped out an entire village. The United Nations warned that thousands of survivors must be urgently evacuated or relocated as the ground remains unstable.
During the weekend, a part of a mountain collapsed in the province of Enga, taking with it an entire village in its path. The UN's Mate Bagossy on the scene told the BBC that more landslides could happen at any time.
Six bodies have been found so far
The local disaster management estimated that at least 2000 people might be buried on Monday. However, Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles warned in parliament, "We may never know the exact number." He added, "But what we do know is that there are currently thousands of people left homeless and require our assistance." Australia and New Zealand pledged millions in aid to Papua New Guinea.
Rescuers continue digging through the mud, searching for signs of life, but have recovered only six bodies so far. "The number is expected to increase during the ongoing efforts, which are being conducted in unstable conditions," the UN said in a statement.
Rescue efforts turning into a recovery operation
"The chances of finding survivors are diminishing by the hour," said a UNICEF spokesman to the German Press Agency. "It appears that the rescue mission has now turned into a recovery operation."
The survivors need access to clean water, food, clothing, shelter, medication, and psychological support. In videos, weeping community members could be seen covering their faces with a yellow paste made of mud, a sign of mourning in some parts of Papua New Guinea.
Evit Kambu, an elderly woman from the destroyed community of Yambali, spoke to the BBC, telling them 18 of her family members were buried under the rubble. She also lost many acquaintances from the village, feeling utterly helpless.
On the island, torrential rainfall is common as it's located near the equator. Landslides are frequent, but this is the first time they've occurred on such a massive scale. Papua New Guinea lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones on Earth. The province of Enga experienced a magnitude 4.5 earthquake just a few days before the landslide.
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- The disaster area in Papua New Guinea is located in the Highlands, a region known for its unstable weather conditions.
- Papua New Guinea shares its border with New Zealand, a country that has pledged aid in response to the landslides.
- The UN and UNDP are working closely with the Papua New Guinea government to provide emergency assistance to the affected communities.
- Richard Marles, the Australian Defense Minister, urged for immediate action, highlighting the need for food, water, and shelter in Port Moresby, the capital city.
- The BBC reported that the landslides have been exacerbated by recent storms, making the rescue efforts more challenging.
- The UNDP mentioned that the landslides in Enga have affected thousands of houses, disrupting livelihoods and necessitating long-term rehabilitation plans.
- The UN warned of the risk of further landslides in other parts of Papua New Guinea, urging countries to contribute to the disaster relief efforts.
- As the international community continues to respond to this crisis, the people of Enga remain hopeful that their lives can return to normality soon.
Source: www.stern.de
