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BACKGROUND
The Aiya Local Level Government (LLG) in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands province is characterized by its mountainous terrain. The region's geography features creeks that form streams, with the most arable land located along riverbanks. Most of the local population engage in agriculture, relying on this land for sustenance and cash crops.
On the night of October 11, 2024, a severe weather event occurred, marked by heavy rainfall, thunder, and strong winds from 8:30 PM until midnight on October 12. This intense downpour led to landslips and flooding across the six Council Wards of Aiya Rural LLG in the Kagua Erave District, Southern Highlands province. Between October 22 - 25, 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Kagua Erave Community Development Office conducted a Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Rapid Assessment in Aiya Rural LLG to assess damage and guide response efforts.
The flooding and landslips have severely impacted local livelihoods, causing significant damage to homes, food gardens, and water sources. Residents noted they have never encountered flooding and landslips of this magnitude, marking it as unprecedented for the community. The most affected council wards are Kandopa Ward 2, Kandopa Ward 1 and, Apopa Ward 25. These affected wards are all situated between mountainous regions, making them particularly vulnerable to landslips and flooding.