PNG: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in Highlands and Momase regions as of March 19.

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of the Highlands and Momase regions as of March 19. Heavy rainfall in recent days has triggered widespread flooding across parts of the affected area. Authorities have reported at least 23 fatalities in Chimbu Province in the Highlands Region due to three separate landslides in the province. Heavy flooding has also been reported in Enga Province, where one person is missing after being washed away by floodwaters. In Momase Region, an unconfirmed number of people have been displaced by rising water levels in East Sepik Province and the village of Brahman in Madang Province has been cut off, and several nearby villages evacuated due to flooding. Coastal flooding has also been reported in some areas due to king tides. Further adverse weather is forecast across much of the affected area over the coming days and will likely exacerbate the current flood situation and hamper response efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could also cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

The disruptive weather may cause delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.