Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape recently attributed the series of disasters in the Pacific Island nation to ‘extraordinary rainfall’ and changes in weather patterns. The catastrophic events include a devastating landslide in the Maip-Mulitaka area of Enga province. Marape disclosed that over 2,000 individuals are presumed dead, with 70,000 residents directly impacted by the tragedy.
The Prime Minister painted a poignant picture of the disaster, stating that the villagers went to sleep unaware that it would be their final rest, as nature unleashed a horrific landslip that engulfed the village. The nation has already incurred costs exceeding 500 million kina ($126 million) as a result of various natural calamities this year.
Additionally, Marape highlighted the unprecedented weather conditions faced by the country, ranging from flooding in river areas to landslips in certain regions. The effects of climate change have been felt nationwide, prompting Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso to acknowledge the widespread nature of the disasters.
In response to the crisis, Defence Minister Billy Joseph mobilized relief efforts, with support from Australia in the form of essential supplies. Concerns have been raised about the potential outbreak of diseases amidst ongoing warnings of further landslides, leading to the evacuation of thousands of individuals.
Rescue operations have been impeded by challenging terrain and local unrest, complicating access to the disaster site. The accessibility to the Porgera gold mine has been severed by the landslide, prompting collaborative efforts between the government and Barrick Gold to restore road access.
The United Nations has emphasized the urgency of containing any health risks associated with the disaster site, underscoring the pressing need for immediate action to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With the situation evolving rapidly, international support and coordinated efforts are crucial to mitigate the impact of the catastrophe on the affected communities.
