Following a catastrophic landslide that devastated the village of Yambali, the small island nation of Papua New Guinea has called for immediate international assistance. The disaster occurred in the Enga province of the country in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to The Associated Press, a letter from Luseta Laso Mana, the acting director of the National Disaster Center, to the United Nations stated that the landslide had caused significant destruction in the remote village. “The landslide buried more than 2,000 people alive and caused major destruction,” Mana reported, emphasising the urgent need for global aid.
Difficult Terrain and Limited Resources
Initial estimates from the United Nations suggest that 670 individuals have perished in the disaster. The village, located in a rugged and isolated part of the country, poses significant challenges for rescue operations due to its inaccessibility and hazardous conditions.
Efforts to clear the area buried under 6 to 8 meters of rubble have been painstakingly slow. For over two days, local residents used shovels and picks until an excavator provided by a local builder arrived on Sunday.
However, survivors have been sceptical about the use of heavy machinery that could potentially harm their relatives’ bodies. On Monday, the donated excavator was turned back, said Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the UN migration agency’s mission in Papua New Guinea, even though the reason was not made clear, as reported by the Business Standard.
Security Risks and Clashes Complicate Rescue Operations
The affected village is home to over 4,000 people and is situated near a winding highway leading to the town of Porgera and a nearby gold mine. This region is known for its political instability that, from time to time, spills over into violence. Security risks reduce the on-site time for emergency responders.
Eight people were killed in a clash between two rival clans on Saturday in the region. UN officials travelling daily to the disaster site under heavy security convoy reported witnessing burnt houses and men armed with machetes.
International Support Necessary Amidst Continued Rescue Challenges
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Papua New Guinea. “The United Nations and its partners are supporting the government’s response efforts and stand ready to offer additional assistance at this challenging time,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated on Monday.
The United Nations stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. This effort is in collaboration with national and provincial government authorities, as well as other partners, to assess the extent of the damage and casualties. Additionally, they aim to determine the necessary assistance for those affected by the disaster.
Heavy rains overnight on Sunday, May 26th, exacerbated the already dire situation in Papua New Guinea, raising significant concerns about the stability of the rubble and further complicating rescue efforts.
As the nation grapples with this immense tragedy, the need for international support and solidarity has become more critical than ever. The global community’s assistance is vital in bolstering ongoing rescue and recovery operations, providing much-needed resources, and offering hope to those affected by this disaster.
