26 May 2024 | 08:35 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Emergency response operations likely to continue in Enga Province through late May after major landslide /update 1
Official response to major landslide near Yambali in Enga Province, PNG, likely to continue through May. Hundreds likely killed.
Emergency response operations are likely to persist in Enga Province through May following a major landslide on May 24. The landslide occurred in the vicinity of Mount Mungalo and the villages of Kaokalam and Yambali. Officials estimate that hundreds of people are buried under the debris. Casualty estimates vary; however, the death toll is likely to be in the low hundreds at least. The main road route into the area, the Highlands Highway, has been severed. Emergency response operations are largely being facilitated by helicopter. Evacuation centers have been established near the site.
Officials have deployed additional security personnel to guard aid convoys traveling to the site due to security concerns. Tribal fighting, unrelated to the landslide event, left at least eight people dead on May 25 in the vicinity of Tambitanis. Homes and businesses were also destroyed during the violence. The village is located on the route leading from Wabag to Yambali. Officials are also concerned about potential looting of aid convoys.
Emergency response operations are likely to continue for several days at least. The movement of aid and emergency personnel into the area is likely to lead to congestion along local roads and at airports serving the area. Additional security will also likely remain in place to safeguard emergency aid convoys and personnel and to contain any further outbreaks of communal violence.
Avoid the area until emergency response operations conclude. Maintain an elevated security posture if operating in the region. Avoid travel at night. Coordinate travel with local officials and security personnel. Plan for disruptions along major routes and at local airports.
