A government official from Papua New Guinea has informed the United Nations that over 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive by a recent landslide and has formally requested international assistance. This figure is significantly higher than the UN’s estimate of 670 casualties. So far, only six bodies have been recovered from the disaster, which struck Yambali village in Enga province.
The estimates of the number of casualties have varied widely. The International Organisation for Migration, collaborating closely with the PNG government, has maintained its estimate of 670 deaths, based on the burial of over 150 homes. The office of PNG Prime Minister James Marape has not clarified the basis for the government’s higher estimate. Difficult conditions, including the remote location, lack of telecommunications, and ongoing tribal warfare, complicate efforts to determine the exact number of victims and to deliver aid.
The landslide also destroyed a 200-meter stretch of the main highway, hampering relief efforts. An excavator donated by a local builder is the first heavy machinery to arrive, but working in the shifting debris remains dangerous. Luseta Laso Mana, acting director of PNG’s National Disaster Center, emphasised the landslide’s economic impact on the country and the ongoing danger to rescue teams and survivors.
Mana and Defense Minister Billy Joseph visited the disaster site to assess needs and determine if further international aid is necessary. They provided emergency funds for the 4,000 displaced survivors. Villagers are conflicted about using heavy machinery for recovery due to the potential further damage to their relatives’ bodies.
International responses include New Zealand and Australia offering assistance. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated readiness to provide aid through UN coordination. Australia has committed $2.7 million in humanitarian support and has sent technical experts to assist in Enga province. Australian aid will include incident management assistance, geo-hazard assessments, and early recovery support, with the Australian Defence Force involved.
PNG community leader Miok Michael and RNZ Pacific correspondent Scott Waide described the situation as heartbreaking, with many villagers accepting the loss of their loved ones but seeking closure by recovering their bodies. Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to support PNG, highlighting the challenging conditions and the deep ties between the two nations.