Catastrophic Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Death Toll Rises as Relief Efforts Continue

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: A devastating landslide has struck Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 670 people estimated to have perished.

Unfolding Tragedy

The remote village, situated approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Port Moresby, was almost entirely obliterated by the landslide, burying scores of homes and trapping countless individuals beneath the debris. Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the UN migration agency’s mission, provided grim details, stating that the estimated death toll is over 670. However, he cautioned that this figure is not definitive and is based on the average household size in the region.

Humanitarian Crisis

The scale of the disaster is immense, with an estimated 150-plus houses now buried beneath the earth. Rescue efforts have been hampered by the challenging terrain and ongoing geological instability. By Sunday evening, only a handful of bodies had been recovered, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy.

Reuters reported that the landslide has displaced 1,250 people, forcing them to seek shelter with relatives and friends. Additionally, more than 250 houses in the vicinity have been abandoned as residents grapple with the aftermath of the catastrophe.

Challenges in Relief Operations

The landslide has left a swath of destruction, with debris reaching depths of up to 8 meters (25 feet) across 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) of land. Road access has been severely disrupted, impeding the delivery of aid and relief supplies. Aid group CARE Australia has highlighted the precarious situation, noting that ongoing land movements and geological instability pose significant risks to rescue teams and affected communities.

Geographic Remoteness Compounds Difficulties

The geographic remoteness of the area, coupled with its rugged terrain, has further compounded the challenges facing rescue and aid operations. The landslide struck near the Porgera gold mine, exacerbating logistical hurdles and complicating relief efforts. Despite the daunting circumstances, humanitarian convoys have mobilized to provide essential supplies to those affected.

Humanitarian Response

Efforts to alleviate the suffering of survivors are underway, with humanitarian organizations distributing bottled water, hygiene kits, clothing, kitchen utensils, food, and tarpaulins. CARE Australia has emphasized the urgent need for assistance, particularly given the vulnerability of displaced populations and the heightened risk of disease outbreaks and secondary emergencies.

Impact on Displaced Communities

The impact of the landslide extends beyond the immediate casualties, affecting entire communities and displacing thousands of individuals. CARE Australia estimates that nearly 4,000 people resided in the impact zone, with the number of affected individuals likely higher due to the area’s status as a refuge for those displaced by conflicts in neighboring regions.

Conclusion

The landslide in Kaokalam Village represents a tragic chapter in Papua New Guinea’s history, underscoring the devastating consequences of natural disasters in vulnerable communities. As the death toll continues to rise and relief efforts intensify, the international community must rally together to provide support and assistance to those affected by this catastrophic event. In the face of adversity, solidarity and compassion offer hope for the future as Papua New Guinea grapples with the aftermath of this devastating landslide.