The serene highlands of Enga province in Papua New Guinea have been transformed into a scene of devastation following a massive landslide that struck on Friday morning. Early reports indicate that the number of missing persons could be in the thousands, with the United Nations estimating around 670 individuals unaccounted for. The true scale of the disaster remains uncertain as rescue efforts are severely hampered by the treacherous terrain and lack of adequate equipment.
A Village Wiped Out
The landslide, triggered by weeks of relentless rainfall, caused the collapse of a mountainside, engulfing the bustling village of Kaokalam. Approximately 3,800 people lived in the area, which now lies buried under debris up to 10 meters deep in some places. So far, fewer than a dozen bodies have been recovered, and the scene remains chaotic and heart-wrenching.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Rescue teams face enormous challenges in their efforts to locate and extract survivors. Acting Provincial Police Commander Martin Kelei has described the situation as precarious, with the risk of further landslides hindering excavation efforts. Despite the arrival of soldiers to aid in removing large boulders, the progress is slow and fraught with danger. Locals, desperate to find their loved ones, are using shovels and their bare hands to dig through the rubble, often putting their own lives at risk.
Government and International Response
Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his condolences and ordered the national defense force and emergency agencies to the disaster site, located 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. However, residents of the affected village report feeling abandoned, with larger rescue operations yet to commence. International aid agencies, including Care Australia and the International Organization for Migration, are on the ground, but their efforts are constrained by the unstable conditions and logistical difficulties.
Stories of Survival and Despair
Among the heart-wrenching tales emerging from the disaster zone, the story of Evit Kambu stands out. She is mourning the loss of 18 family members buried under the landslide. “I am standing here helplessly,” she told Reuters, expressing gratitude to those who have come to help but lamenting the inability to retrieve the bodies of her loved ones.
In a glimmer of hope, local media reported the rescue of a couple who survived the disaster. Their home was on the edge of the landslide, and they were pulled from the rubble after rescue workers heard their cries for help.
Ongoing Risks and Evacuations
The region remains high-risk as weather forecasts predict further rain. Humanitarian aid agencies have evacuated remaining residents to prevent additional casualties. The ground is unstable, and the threat of more landslides looms large, complicating rescue and recovery operations.
A Call for Support
The catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea has not only caused immense human suffering but also severely impacted the nation’s economic lifeline. Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, Lusete Laso Mana, has emphasized the extensive damage and called for urgent assistance. As the rescue efforts continue, the need for international support and solidarity is more critical than ever.