At least 21 dead after landslide in Wapenamanda, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
At least 21 people were killed after a landslide struck a village in Papua New Guinea on Friday Morning, October 31, 2025.
Recovery operations after landslide in Papua New Guinea claimed 21 lives on October 31, 2025. Credit: Ben Mcpintu
At least 21 people have been reported dead following a landslide in the Kukas village of Enga Province on Friday morning.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, struck the village sometime between 02:00 and 03:00 local time (LT) on Friday, depending on the source.
“A devastating landslide struck our village, Kukas (Yarapak Tribe, Minamb Valley, Wapenamanda, Enga Province), early this morning around 03:00 LT. So far, 21 bodies have been recovered, and we are still searching for others who are missing. The pain and loss are beyond words — our community is in mourning,” said Ben McPitu, a local resident.
A local government disaster team was sent to the site this morning to assist with the recovery of bodies and the provision of supplies.
All the victims belonged to the Yabalekin Tribe of Lower Lai in Wapenamanda, said Acting Provincial Commander-in-Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe. Three people sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Wabag Hospital, he added.
The landslide buried only one large house near a creek at the foot of the mountain, a school principal from a nearby village told journalists.
The victims were mostly visitors from a neighbouring village that was undergoing local government elections, said Tumu.
After fighting broke out there, election officials moved the polling locations, he said.
However, Mr. Tumu said the group did not feel safe returning through areas affected by fighting, so they stayed the night in Kukas village.
“They decided to go to a relative’s house, and that is where they encountered this fate — this tragedy,” he said.
An unknown number of people remain missing as recovery operations continue.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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