In a devastating turn of events, a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province has buried more than 2,000 people alive, according to the country’s National Disaster Centre. The landslide, which occurred last week, has created an immense challenge for rescue operations due to the treacherous terrain and remote location, making it highly unlikely that many survivors will be found.
The landslide struck near the village of Yambali, engulfing the area in a sea of earth and debris. Initial estimates from local authorities put the death toll at 670, but these numbers have risen dramatically. The National Disaster Centre, in a letter to the United Nations, updated the toll to over 2,000 on Sunday. The situation remains dire as the landslide continues to shift, posing ongoing risks to both survivors and rescue teams.
The affected area was home to approximately 4,000 people, according to Justine McMahon, country director for CARE International Papua New Guinea. However, obtaining an accurate population count is challenging because the last comprehensive census in Papua New Guinea was conducted in 2000. Many residents live in remote, mountainous regions that are difficult to access. The government has announced plans for a new census in 2024 to address this issue.
Emergency response efforts have been severely hampered by the unstable terrain, ongoing tribal conflicts, and the sheer remoteness of the landslide site. Relief operations are being led by Papua New Guinea’s defense personnel, but progress has been slow. The first excavator only reached the site late on Sunday, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced by rescuers. Social media posts and local media footage depict villagers and rescue teams using shovels, sticks, and bare hands to dig through the debris in search of survivors, with women’s cries of anguish audible in the background.
So far, only six bodies have been recovered, and the likelihood of finding more survivors diminishes with each passing day. However, there have been moments of hope amid the tragedy. Media reports on Monday highlighted the miraculous rescue of a couple, Johnson and Jacklyn Yandam, who were trapped under the rubble for nearly eight hours. “We thank God for saving our lives at that moment. We were certain that we were going to die but the big rocks didn’t crush us,” Jacklyn Yandam told local NBC News.
The landslide has caused significant displacement, with about 1,250 people forced to leave their homes. Over 150 houses were buried and an additional 250 houses abandoned due to the disaster. The debris, estimated to be around eight meters deep in places, poses a significant challenge to clearing efforts. Water flowing under the debris has further complicated the situation, making it hazardous for both residents and rescue teams.
Adding to the complexity of the rescue operations is the issue of tribal violence in the region, which has raised security concerns. The military has been escorting convoys of rescue teams to ensure their safety. On Saturday, eight people were killed, and several shops and houses were destroyed in tribal clashes. The government granted arrest powers to the military in February to address escalating tribal violence.
The landslide also affected the Porgera gold mine, operated by Barrick Gold through Barrick Niugini Ltd., a joint venture with China’s Zijin Mining. Despite the disaster, Barrick Gold reported that the mine has sufficient fuel and critical supplies to continue operations for the next 40 days.
As rescue efforts continue, the full extent of the tragedy is becoming apparent. The combination of natural disaster and human conflict has created a formidable barrier to relief efforts. The international community, led by the United Nations, is closely monitoring the situation and providing support where possible. The focus remains on finding survivors and providing aid to those displaced by this catastrophic event.
