Papua New Guinea: Landslide - May 2024

A huge landslide occurred in the Enga province, central-northern Papua New Guinea on 23 May, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. According to DG ECHO partners, the total number of casualties remains unverified. Local media reports, as of 24 May, more than 100 fatalities across six villages (where the worst affected is the Kaokalam village) in the Porgera-Paiela district, Enga province due to the landslide occurred on very early morning, local time, of 24 May. Over the next 96 hours, more heavy rainfall with locally very heavy rainfall is forecast over the whole Papua New Guinea. (ECHO, 24 May 2024)

Landslides triggered by heavy rains struck the Tulpar community in Yambali village, Lagaip-Porgera District, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on 24 May 2024. The area remains extremely dangerous due to ongoing land movement. Access is difficult due to a blocked highway and ongoing instability. As of 26 May 2024, authorities report the death toll has risen to five. Many are missing, and estimates suggest a possible additional 670 fatalities. The authorities of the affected area have declared a State of Emergency and requested national assistance. (ECHO, 26 May 2024)

According to media, as of 27 May, at least 2,000 people are still buried under the debris and more than 7,900 people have been forced to leave the villages near the landslide. In addition, 18 buildings have been destroyed, more than 634 have been potentially damaged, and the main highway has been blocked. (ECHO, 28 May 2024)

As per DMT report #6 on 28 May, the preliminary estimate of the total affected population is approximately 7,850 individuals or 1,430 households. Further preliminary estimates suggest approximately, 42 per cent are children under 16 years of age. It is believed over 150 structures have been destroyed in the landslide. (OCHA, 29 May 2024)

The landslide buried one school, and 10 other nearby schools (eight elementary and two primary) were also affected. Health services have been restored in two primary health facilities. The two Care Centers established in Wabag and Mulatika will be developed to host increased displaced populations. Damage to a major road is impeding fuel and food supplies from Wabag to landslide-affected areas. The security situation in the disaster area remains volatile due to competition for resources, pre-existing inter-communal tensions and pervasive gender-based violence; the first serious security incident was reported on 13 June. (UNICEF, 14 Jun 2024)

Following the landslide in Enga Province in May, the Enga Provincial Disaster Office (EPDO) has been alerted to imminent threats at the Mulitaka Landslide area by emergency response and geotechnical teams on site. Assessments indicate ongoing geo-seismic activity and potential hazards threatening communities within the Mulitaka Landslide Disaster Site and the Disaster Management Emergency Care Center. Bulges, cracks on the road and fault lines on the high ground have been observed, indicating the imminent risk of further landslides. Immediate evacuation and resettlement of the Care Center are recommended. The Enga Provincial Disaster Office (EPDO) issued the new direction to be immediately implemented for the Provincial Disaster Management Committee (PNGDF), Police, and UN agencies to coordinate evacuations, restrict access to the site, and identify new settlement areas. (OCHA, 26 Jun 2024)

The landslide caused extensive damage to many lives, homes and livelihoods. The extent of the destruction has left an estimated 1,680 individuals displaced, with an estimated 3,979 individuals affected and at risk of displacement. Furthermore; 9,952 individuals are estimated to be directly affected by the landslide. Immediate emergency response and long-term recovery plans are crucial to address the needs of these affected populations and mitigate future risks and vulnerabilities. The landslide has not only devastated the Yambali ward but also caused significant instability in the surrounding area. The soil remains highly unstable, with visible cracks indicating imminent threats to lives and properties. Ongoing geo-seismic activities in the vicinity exacerbate the risk, as the land continues to shift. The landslide covered two creeks with debris and boulders, blocking waterways and increasing the likelihood of further slides. The blockage of these creeks poses a critical risk of flooding, which could trigger additional landslides, endangering the already vulnerable community. (IOM, 29 Jul 2024)