Massive landslide devastates Papua New Guinea village, killing over 2 000

Early Friday morning, May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Yambali village in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province, claiming more than 2 000 lives. Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway in the affected remote, mountainous region.

A devastating landslide buried the village of Yambali in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province early Friday morning, with initial reports suggesting that over 100 people may have been killed. The landslide occurred at approximately 03:00 local time, in a remote area about 600 km (370 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that an emergency response is underway. “I am yet to be fully briefed on the situation. However, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the landslide disaster in the early hours of this morning,” Marape said in a statement. He added that disaster officials, the PNG Defense Force, and the Department of Works and Highways are being deployed to commence relief work, recover bodies, and reconstruct infrastructure.

A resident told Reuters more than 50 homes were buried under the landslide while people were still sleeping inside. Locals told ABC the death toll is likely higher than 100, while the villager who spoke to Reuters believed it is close to 300.

Elizabeth Laruma, who leads a women’s business association in Porgera, a town near the Porgera Gold Mine in the same province, described the destruction. “It has occurred when people were still asleep in the early hours, and the entire village has gone down,” Laruma told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “From what I can presume, it’s about 100-plus people who are buried beneath the ground.”

The landslide has also blocked the road between Porgera and Kaokalam village, raising concerns about the supply of fuel and goods to the town.

Belinda Kora, a reporter based in Port Moresby, noted that helicopters are currently the only means of accessing the village due to the road closure.

The region is part of Papua New Guinea’s mountainous Highlands, which are notoriously difficult to traverse.

Updates

09:20 UTC, May 27

Papua New Guinea government officials reported to the United Nations on May 27 that more than 2 000 people were buried in the landslide.

Read more:

References:

¹ More than 100 people believed killed by a landslide in Papua New Guinea, Australian media report – AP – May 24, 2024

² Dozens Feared Dead After Major Landslide In Remote Papua New Guinea Village – Forbes – May 24, 2024

Featured image credit: Kindupan Kambii (stillshot)