Tragic Landslide in Yambali Village, Papua New Guinea: International Response Underway

Massive Landslide in Papua New Guinea Leaves Dozens Buried, Threatens Rescue Efforts

Emergency responders in Papua New Guinea are facing a race against time to save survivors of a devastating landslide that buried part of Yambali village in Enga province. The landslide, which occurred just before dawn on Friday, has left more than 100 people feared dead, with the death toll expected to rise.

The rescue effort is being hampered by tons of unstable earth and ongoing tribal warfare in the country’s Highlands, making it a challenging and dangerous task for crews on the ground. Despite initial hopes of finding survivors, only five bodies have been recovered so far, with heavy earth-moving equipment yet to arrive at the remote mountainous location.

In addition to the natural disaster, local authorities are also dealing with tribal fighting in the region, which has resulted in eight deaths and the destruction of homes and businesses. The convoys transporting essential supplies to the affected village have faced risks related to the ongoing conflict, prompting the deployment of Papua New Guinea soldiers to provide security.

As the government considers whether to request more international support, aid agencies are working to move survivors to safer ground and provide them with food, water, and shelter. The World Health Organization is mobilizing staff to assist with medical treatment, while the scale of the disaster has prompted concerns about the challenges of reaching and supporting affected populations in the remote region.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the resilience and solidarity of the community will be crucial in the days ahead. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.