Papua New Guinea: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Enga Province as of May 24

Disruptions are ongoing in Enga Province as of May 24 following a landslide that occurred earlier that day. Six villages in Mulitaka in the Lagaip-Porgera District were affected. Initial reports indicate that more than 100 people are buried. Authorities have not confirmed the death toll, though it is likely to increase as search and rescue operations progress. Operations to clear access to the road leading to the district are ongoing. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast in the region over the coming days; additional downpours could trigger more landslides and hamper ongoing response operations.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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. Further landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.