Almost 700 people are now assumed to have died due to a massive landslide in northern Papua New Guinea. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration increased the estimated death toll that local officials previously claimed, to 100 or more. Traumatized families, survivors, and emergency responders are losing hope as time continues to pass.
Serhan Aktoprak, chief of the U.N.’s Migration Agency’s Mission in Papua New Guinea announced that more than 150 homes in Yambali village are buried in debris. The area continues to pose an “extreme risk” due to falling rocks and increased pressure on ground soil. More than 250 houses have been evacuated, prompting the displacement of about 1,250 people. Papua New Guinea’s national government is considering officially requesting more international support and aid, as Aktoprak expects a decision to be made by Tuesday.
This is a tragic environmental catastrophe that has brought tremendous suffering to the people of the region along with the international community. The nation of Papua New Guinea, home to around 10 million people, is already dealing with various economic issues and high crime rates. Basic services like water, sanitation, and electricity, are inaccessible for many residing in remote areas.
This event, despite its shocking nature, is being exacerbated by current violence in Papua New Guinea. Emergency convoys delivering provisions to landslide survivors have faced risks due to tribal fighting in the nearby Tambitanis village. These clashes are destructive to both local property and lives. Aktoprak holds concerns for these convoys regarding both the security of personnel and of provisions, saying “they [fighting groups] may use this chaos as a means to steal.” The conflict that pervades this region of Papua New Guinea is proving to increase the difficulty of rescue and aid efforts, potentially enabling more innocent deaths.
The current estimated death toll may be subject to change. For now, rescuers scramble to find survivors as the window of time to save people decreases. The United States and Australia are among the governments that have publicly stated their willingness and readiness to help responders. Collaboration, whether between international parties or simply within Papua New Guinea, is essential to make the most effective responses to this environmental event. This requires people to refrain from fighting or taking any violent measures that disrupt rescue and resource teams.
The effects of this large-scale landslide are deadly and will likely be further understood as more time continues to pass. Surviving families will try to maintain hope for the safety of loved ones.
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