27-5-2024 (SYDNEY) In the aftermath of the devastating landslide that struck Papua New Guinea’s northern region last week, rescue and relief efforts are being hampered by unstable terrain, remote locations, and damaged roads, according to the United Nations. The tragic incident is feared to have claimed the lives of more than 670 people in the Pacific nation.
Emergency crews, led by Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) defence personnel, have been deployed to the affected area, but the heavy equipment required for the rescue operation has yet to reach the remote village. The main road remains cut off, leaving helicopters as the only means of access to the disaster site.
According to the UN’s latest update, PNG government authorities are focused on clearing debris and improving access to the village, while the agency itself is preparing to move and distribute food and water supplies, as well as assisting in setting up evacuation centres for displaced individuals.
Social media footage shared by villagers and local media teams has captured the harrowing scenes unfolding in the wake of the landslide. Images depict people scaling rocks, digging with shovels, sticks, and even their bare hands in a desperate attempt to locate survivors. The sound of weeping women can be heard in the background, adding to the heartbreaking atmosphere.
So far, six bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage. However, the UN has cautioned that the number of possible deaths could change as rescue efforts are expected to continue for several days.
Amidst the gloom, a glimmer of hope emerged as PNG media reported on Monday that residents had successfully rescued a couple trapped under the rubble after hearing their cries for help.
Johnson and Jacklyn Yandam, the rescued couple, expressed their profound gratitude and described their rescue as a miracle. “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 said. “It’s really hard to explain as we got trapped for nearly eight hours, then got rescued. We believe we were saved for a purpose.”
The UN migration agency has warned that water continues to flow under the debris, making it extremely dangerous for residents and rescue teams to clear the area. Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the UN migration agency’s mission in PNG, told ABC television that emergency crews would persist in their search for survivors until the residents request them to stop.
Aktoprak revealed that the rescue team currently has eight vehicles at their disposal, but he expressed hope for receiving additional resources soon to aid in the efforts.
The landslide, which occurred in PNG’s Enga province early Friday, has displaced approximately 1,250 people and buried over 150 houses, while another 250 houses have been abandoned. Justine McMahon, the country director for the aid group CARE International PNG, told ABC television that “the houses are buried under around eight metres of dirt. So there is quite a lot of debris to get through.” She added that around 4,000 people were living near the affected area.
Neighbouring countries, including Australia and France, which governs the Pacific island of nearby New Caledonia, have pledged their readiness to assist PNG in the aftermath of this tragic disaster.
