The Papua New Guinea government reported that over 2,000 people are feared to have been buried alive in a landslide in the village of Yambali. The remote location of the settlement in the interior of the country has made search and rescue efforts difficult and dangerous. The official death toll provided by the government is significantly higher than the U.N.’s estimate of 670 casualties, with only six bodies recovered so far.
The village of Yambali, home to at least 4,000 people, is situated in a mountainous and forested area in the Enga province of Papua New Guinea. The landslide has cut off the highway to the town of Porgera, hindering access for aid and emergency responders. The challenge faced by rescue teams is exacerbated by the need to clear debris by hand due to the survivors’ reluctance to use heavy machinery that could harm the bodies of their loved ones. The presence of ongoing local feuds and tribal warfare has further complicated the response efforts.
The security situation in the Enga province has required military personnel to provide protection for aid convoys traveling to Yambali. Tribal conflicts and violence have resulted in casualties even as the disaster response unfolds. Emergency crews are facing the threat of additional landslides in the area, as the debris continues to shift and become waterlogged. Evacuations have been carried out in communities downstream to mitigate further risks.
As rescue operations continue, survivors of the landslide in Yambali will need assistance for an extended period. The destruction of farms and food gardens, as well as the loss of livestock, has left the village vulnerable. Immediate priorities include providing survivors with food, water, shelter, and relocating them to a safer location. The formal request for international assistance by Papua New Guinea’s government indicates the need for additional resources to support the affected communities.
With access to Porgera and other towns beyond Yambali cut off, the extent of the disaster’s impact on these areas remains unclear. The government has appealed for international aid, with countries like the United States and Australia expressing readiness to provide assistance. Papua New Guinea, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent seismic activity due to its location on active fault lines. The exact number of people affected by the landslide is still being assessed, with ongoing efforts to support survivors and address the broader humanitarian crisis.
The unfolding tragedy in Yambali highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in remote regions of Papua New Guinea. As the death toll continues to rise and the extent of the devastation becomes clearer, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support for those impacted by the landslide remains a top priority for local and international authorities. Efforts to address immediate needs and prevent further loss of life are underway, but the long-term recovery and rebuilding process will require sustained attention and resources.
