2024 Enga landslide
{{Short description|Landslide in Enga, Papua New Guinea}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox event
| title = 2024 Enga landslide
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| date = {{Start date|2024|5|24|df=y}}
| time = {{Circa| 03:00 PGT (UTC+10:00)}}
| place = Maip Muritaka Rural LLG, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
| coordinates = {{Coord|5|22|26|S|143|23|19|E|type:event_region:PG-EPW|display=inline,title}}{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
| cause = Gold mining and/or heavy rains (suspected)
| outcome =
| reported deaths = 670 (official)
160–2,000+ (estimated)
| reported injuries = 17
| reported missing =
| reported property damage =
| notes =
| map = {{Location map | Papua New Guinea
| relief = Yes
| label =
| lat = -5.373889
| long = 143.388611
| mark = Red pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| position = top
| width = 260
| float = center
| AlternativeMap = Papua New Guinea relief location map.jpg
| caption = }}
}}
{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=|frame-width=260|frame-height=|from=2024 Enga landslide.map |frame-latitude=-5.38|frame-longitude=143.365|zoom=15|text=Approximate perimeter of the landslide (map data)}}
On 24 May 2024, a landslide occurred in Mulitaka, Papua New Guinea. By 7 June, 12 bodies had been recovered,{{cite news |title='Mass burial site': PNG landslide death toll remains unknown |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/519363/mass-burial-site-png-landslide-death-toll-remains-unknown |access-date=14 June 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en |archive-date=14 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614045744/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/519363/mass-burial-site-png-landslide-death-toll-remains-unknown |url-status=live }} with thousands more buried and presumed dead, though estimates of the death toll vary greatly, with some estimating that only 160 had died.{{Cite news |last=Dziedzic |first=Stephen |date=2024-05-31 |title='The earth is moving': PNG PM explains why he can't send excavators to site of landslide disaster |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-31/first-look-at-the-png-landslide-site/103920178 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601132827/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-31/first-look-at-the-png-landslide-site/103920178 |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=2024-05-31 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}
Background
Papua New Guinea has regularly experienced fatal landslides resulting from its mountainous terrain, weather, climate, poverty, poor land use practices and government mismanagement. In 2024, the country saw intense rainfall and flooding, and in April, 14 people died in a landslide, while 21 died in a landslide one month earlier.{{Cite web |last=Thorpe |first=Andrew |date=24 May 2024 |title=Why does Papua New Guinea experience so many fatal landslides — and what can be done? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-24/landslides-papua-new-guinea-explainer-fatalities-climate-change/103889538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524131257/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/103889538 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}
=Cause=
On 18 May, a {{M|w|link=y}} 4.5 earthquake occurred {{cvt|105|km|mi}} west of where the landslide happened. It struck {{cvt|126.2|km|mi}} below the surface{{Cite web |author= |date=24 May 2024 |title=M 4.5 – 96 km WNW of Porgera, Papua New Guinea |url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000mzdw/executive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524110007/https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000mzdw/executive |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=24 May 2024 |publisher=United States Geological Survey}} and has been suggested as a possible cause of the landslide. However, the Red Cross has stated that there was no indication that the earthquake caused the landslide, instead attributing it to either gold mining or heavy rain.
Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape has blamed climate change for the disaster.{{Cite news |last=Coren |first=Anna |date=29 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea PM blames climate crisis for deadly landslide |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/papua-new-guinea-pm-blames-climate-crisis-for-deadly-landslide/vi-BB1njg4K |url-status=live |work=CNN |access-date=31 May 2024 |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530150441/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/papua-new-guinea-pm-blames-climate-crisis-for-deadly-landslide/vi-BB1njg4K }}
Impact
The landslide occurred at approximately 03:00 PGT on 24 May 2024 (17:00 UTC on 23 May),{{Cite news |last=Lynch |first=Niamh |date=26 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea: More than 670 have died, new local estimates say |url=https://news.sky.com/story/papua-new-guinea-more-than-4-000-people-impacted-by-landslide-13143217 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526044232/https://news.sky.com/story/papua-new-guinea-more-than-4-000-people-impacted-by-landslide-13143217 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=Sky News |publisher=}} after a large amount of debris was dislodged from the limestone slopes of Mount Mungalo. Some survivors said that they heard two loud cracks around one to two hours before the disaster, alerting them to possible danger and enabling their escape.{{Cite news |last=Faa |first=Marian |last2=Gunga |first2=Theckla |date=2 June 2024 |title=Survivors of PNG landslide say they heard two loud cracks before mountainside fell on village |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-02/mulitaka-enga-province-papua-new-guinea-landslide-survivors/103923874 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602010246/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-02/mulitaka-enga-province-papua-new-guinea-landslide-survivors/103923874 |archive-date=2 June 2024 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |publisher=}} The landslide destroyed six villages in Maip Muritaka Rural LLG. In Kaokalam village alone, dozens of houses were destroyed and at least 150 people died.{{Cite news |last=Zarriga |first=Miriam |date=7 June 2024 |title=Search called off for victims of Mulitaka landslide |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/search-called-off-for-victims-of-mulitaka-landslide/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |work=Papua New Guinea-Post Courier |archive-date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607010913/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/search-called-off-for-victims-of-mulitaka-landslide/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|date=27 May 2024|title=PNG landslide: Couple pulled alive from rubble as 690 feared dead|url=https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/05/27/png-landslide-couple-pulled-alive-from-rubble-as-690-feared-dead/|access-date=27 May 2024|website=asiapacificreport.nz|archive-date=27 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527171355/https://asiapacificreport.nz/2024/05/27/png-landslide-couple-pulled-alive-from-rubble-as-690-feared-dead/|url-status=live}} It blocked a highway near the Porgera Gold Mine, and destroyed {{Convert|150|m}} of the main highway leading into Kaokalam, causing concerns over the supply of fuel and goods.{{Cite news |date=24 May 2024 |title=Hundreds Feared Dead After Landslide Hits Remote Papua New Guinea Village |url=https://www.citizen.digital/news/hundreds-feared-dead-after-landslide-hits-remote-papua-new-guinea-village-n342741 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524103204/https://www.citizen.digital/news/hundreds-feared-dead-after-landslide-hits-remote-papua-new-guinea-village-n342741 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=24 May 2024 |publisher=Citizen TV}}{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Heather |last2=Szekeres |first2=Edward |last3=Stambaugh |first3=Alex |last4=Suri |first4=Manveena |date=2024-05-24 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide: More than 100 people feared dead in remote region |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/24/world/papua-new-guinea-landslide-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524104234/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/24/world/papua-new-guinea-landslide-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=More than 100 feared dead in massive landslide in Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/massive-landslide-papua-new-guinea-scores-dead/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524125721/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/massive-landslide-papua-new-guinea-scores-dead/ |url-status=live }} The mine's management said that its regular operations were unaffected and that fuel at the site was enough to sustain the facility for 40 days.{{Cite news |title=Hopes fade of finding survivors in Papua New Guinea landslide as UN calls emergency meeting |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-28/hopes-fading-for-finding-survivors-in-papua-new-guinea-landslide/103899942 |date=28 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2024 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601132828/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-28/hopes-fading-for-finding-survivors-in-papua-new-guinea-landslide/103899942 |url-status=live }} A road construction crew working on the highway was also buried in the landslide.{{Cite news |title=Entire village buried alive in landslide |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/entire-village-buried-alive-in-landslide/ |date=27 May 2024 |access-date=27 May 2024 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527171355/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/entire-village-buried-alive-in-landslide/ |url-status=live }}
Approximately 2,000 people were buried and presumed dead in Tulipana village.{{Cite news |last=Taime |first=Mal |date=5 June 2024 |title=Landslide covered village to become cemetery |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/landslide-covered-village-to-become-cemetery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608220255/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/landslide-covered-village-to-become-cemetery/ |archive-date=8 June 2024 |access-date=8 June 2024 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier}} The Highlands Highway connecting the area to Port Moresby, the capital, was also blocked.{{Cite web |last=Cursino |first=Malu |date=25 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide: Race to rescue villagers trapped |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c877jnjn4m5o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527172103/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c877jnjn4m5o |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} Gardens which provided food for the village and its three water streams were buried and destroyed.{{Cite web |last=Kuku |first=Rebecca |date=25 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide: rescue convoy heads to remote village as scores feared buried |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/25/papua-new-guinea-landslide-rescue-convoy-heads-to-remote-village-as-scores-feared-buried |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526145100/https://amp.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/25/papua-new-guinea-landslide-rescue-convoy-heads-to-remote-village-as-scores-feared-buried |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=The Guardian}} An official of the International Organization for Migration estimated that the area covered by the landslide was the equivalent of between "three and four football fields". Later estimates put the area covered by the landslide at {{Convert|600|m}} long and {{Convert|90,000|sqm}}.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-30 |title=UN warns of disease risk after Papua New Guinea landslide |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240530-un-warns-of-disease-risk-after-papua-new-guinea-landslide |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=France 24 |language=en }} The debris was estimated to be {{Convert|6|m}} to {{Convert|8|m}} deep.{{Cite web |last=Stambaugh |first=Alex |date=2024-05-25 |title=Three bodies recovered after Papua New Guinea landslide, 'significant' death toll expected |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/25/world/bodies-recovered-papua-new-guinea-landslide-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525110128/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/25/world/bodies-recovered-papua-new-guinea-landslide-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}
Conflicting estimates of casualties emerged following the disaster, which was attributed to the lack of updated population statistics since the last national census in 2000{{cite news |date=27 May 2024 |title=More than 2,000 people buried in Papua New Guinea landslide |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240527-more-than-2-000-people-buried-in-papua-new-guinea-landslide |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=France 24 }} and the fact that the affected area also hosted pubs catering to miners from other villages as well as people displaced by intertribal fighting.{{cite news |date=27 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea evacuating landslide villages as hopes for survivors fade landslide |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/28/papua-new-guinea-evacuating-landslide-villages-as-hopes-for-survivors-fade |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530024754/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/28/papua-new-guinea-evacuating-landslide-villages-as-hopes-for-survivors-fade |url-status=live }} On 27 May, it was estimated that 2,000 people may have died by the landslide in Yambali village alone.{{cite news|title=Death toll in Papua New Guinea climbs to 2,000|url=https://thestreetjournal.org/death-toll-in-papua-new-guinea-climbs-to-2000/|newspaper=The Street Journal|date=27 May 2024|access-date=27 May 2024}} These numbers were not confirmed by government officials.{{Cite news |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=24 May 2024 |title=More than 100 people believed killed by a landslide in Papua New Guinea, Australian media report |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-86fcf41e600122fd54ddcfb56bcab403 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524045010/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-86fcf41e600122fd54ddcfb56bcab403 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=Associated Press}} On 29 May, councillor and chair of the Mulitaka Disaster Committee Jaman Yandam said that more than 160 people had died, citing village leaders who had conducted a head count.{{cite news |last=Dziedzic |first=Stephen |last2=Wayne |first2=Hilda |date=29 May 2024 |title=Uncertainty surrounds PNG landslide death toll as relief supplies begin arriving at disaster zone |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-29/uncertainty-surrounds-png-landslide-death-toll/103906298 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529182349/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-29/uncertainty-surrounds-png-landslide-death-toll/103906298 |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} As of 6 June, the official death toll cited by the government was 670.{{cite news |date=6 June 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide: People in Enga's high risk areas advised to relocate |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518829/papua-new-guinea-landslide-people-in-enga-s-high-risk-areas-advised-to-relocate |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |archive-date=6 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606022433/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518829/papua-new-guinea-landslide-people-in-enga-s-high-risk-areas-advised-to-relocate |url-status=live }}
Over 4,000 people were directly affected.{{Cite news |last=Faa |first=Marian |date=25 May 2024 |title=Situation in Papua New Guinea 'catastrophic' following landslide, with 4,000 in need of aid |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-25/papua-new-guinea-landslide-4000-people-need-food-water/103893750 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525104905/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-25/papua-new-guinea-landslide-4000-people-need-food-water/103893750 |archive-date=25 May 2024 |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} Twelve bodies, including a leg, were recovered.{{cite news |last1=McGuirk |first1=Rod |date=26 May 2024 |title=Over 670 people died in a massive Papua New Guinea landslide, UN estimates, as survivors seek safety |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-yambali-enga-642d9e8e0c913efa25ed2d67df318393 |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526050843/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-yambali-enga-642d9e8e0c913efa25ed2d67df318393 |url-status=live }} At least 17 people were injured{{cite news |last1=McGuirk |first1=Rod |date=30 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to move to safer ground after hundreds buried |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-7a25acb4fba78af6d95702e24d91e2e5 |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530094300/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-7a25acb4fba78af6d95702e24d91e2e5 |url-status=live }} and four others were rescued, while 1,182 homes were reported to have been destroyed or buried.{{Cite news |last=Foon |first=Eleisha |date=24 May 2024 |title=Hundreds feared dead after huge landslide in Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/517753/hundreds-feared-dead-after-huge-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525093308/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/517753/hundreds-feared-dead-after-huge-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea |archive-date=25 May 2024 |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |publisher=}}{{Cite news |date=25 May 2024 |title=More than 300 buried in Papua New Guinea landslide, local media says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/more-than-300-buried-papua-new-guinea-landslide-local-media-says-2024-05-25/ |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=Reuters}} More than 5,000 pigs, 100 stores, and five vehicles were also believed to have been buried,{{Cite news |date=25 May 2024 |title=Akem calls for help after landslide buried a whole village in Enga Province |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/akem-calls-for-help-after-landslide-buried-a-whole-village-in-enga-province/ |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524233245/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/akem-calls-for-help-after-landslide-buried-a-whole-village-in-enga-province/ |url-status=live }} as well as two health centres.{{cite news |last1=Faa |first1=Marian |date=26 May 2024 |title=More than 670 people now feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea's highlands |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-26/un-confirms-over-670-dead-in-png-landslide/103895274 |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527165336/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-26/un-confirms-over-670-dead-in-png-landslide/103895274 |url-status=live }} An additional 250 homes were condemned due to unstable ground conditions, displacing about 1,650 people.
Aftermath
{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the devastating landslide in Enga, and the tragic loss of so many lives, homes and food gardens. [...] I have faith that your communities will come together to support the survivors and the recovery in these heartbreaking circumstances.{{cite news|work=Sky News|title=Papua New Guinea: More than 2,000 people buried alive in landslide - as 'major destruction' hampers rescue efforts|date=27 May 2024|url=https://news.sky.com/story/papua-new-guinea-more-than-4-000-people-impacted-by-landslide-13143217|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526044232/https://news.sky.com/story/papua-new-guinea-more-than-4-000-people-impacted-by-landslide-13143217|url-status=live}}| salign=right| source=Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea, 2024}}
Prime Minister James Marape announced that the Papua New Guinea Defence Force was sent to the scene to conduct relief work, recover bodies, and rebuild destroyed infrastructure. Police, medics, engineers, and United Nations personnel were also dispatched, while some locals acted as first responders.{{Cite web |title=More than 100 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/more-than-100-feared-dead-in-papua-new-guinea-landslide/7625383.html |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Voice of America |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524125802/https://www.voanews.com/amp/more-than-100-feared-dead-in-papua-new-guinea-landslide/7625383.html |url-status=live }} By dusk, rescuers at the scene utilized a mechanical digger and tools in an attempt to locate survivors.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=Massive landslide hits Papua New Guinea, many feared dead |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/massive-landslide-hits-papua-guinea-213614313.html |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524225058/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/massive-landslide-hits-papua-guinea-213614313.html |url-status=live }} The Papua New Guinea government formally requested aid from the United Nations and other countries on 26 May. A state of emergency was declared in the affected region,{{Cite web |title=Papua New Guinea orders thousands to evacuate amid second landslide fears |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240528-papua-new-guinea-orders-thousands-to-evacuate-amid-second-landslide-fears |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=France 24 |date=28 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528050356/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240528-papua-new-guinea-orders-thousands-to-evacuate-amid-second-landslide-fears |url-status=live }} with authorities saying that nearly 7,900 people living near the disaster site were at risk from further landslides.{{Cite web |last=Mao |first=Frances |last2=Watson |first2=Katy |date=28 May 2024 |title=Deadly landslide threatens thousands more as hopes for survivors fade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9774p8y6zjo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528064834/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9774p8y6zjo |archive-date=28 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=BBC |language=en}} Condolences were sent by Governor-General Bob Dadae and King Charles III.{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=Governor General sends his condolence to the people of Enga |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/governor-general-send-his-condolence-to-the-people-of-enga/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528134808/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/governor-general-send-his-condolence-to-the-people-of-enga/ |archive-date=28 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=His Majesty King Charles III, has expressed shock and sadness |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/his-majesty-king-charles-iii-has-expressed-shock-and-sadness/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528021141/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/his-majesty-king-charles-iii-has-expressed-shock-and-sadness/ |archive-date=28 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}}
International humanitarian agency CARE and the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society said that they were assessing the situation.{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Kelly |date=2024-05-24 |title=Papua New Guinea: Many feared dead in massive landslide |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nnl8qg19jo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524093652/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nnl8qg19jo |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=BBC |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |title=Dozens feared dead after 'massive' landslide hits Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/24/dozens-feared-dead-after-landslide-hits-papua-new-guinea |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524111332/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/24/dozens-feared-dead-after-landslide-hits-papua-new-guinea |url-status=live }} CARE later said around 4,000 people were in need of humanitarian aid following the disaster, including individuals displaced during intertribal clashes in February 2024. Australia, China, France, India, and the United States said they were prepared to assist in humanitarian efforts,{{Cite web |title=Massive landslide hits Papua New Guinea, many feared dead |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240524-massive-landslide-hits-papua-new-guinea-many-feared-dead |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=France 24 |date=24 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525024832/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240524-massive-landslide-hits-papua-new-guinea-many-feared-dead |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=27 May 2024 |title=France sends condolences and support following the devastating landslide in Enga Province |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/france-sends-condolences-and-support-following-the-devastating-landslide-in-enga-province/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527165941/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/france-sends-condolences-and-support-following-the-devastating-landslide-in-enga-province/ |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=India extends condolence |date=27 May 2024 |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/india-extends-condolence/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |language=en |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527182419/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/india-extends-condolence/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=China to provide disaster relief |date=12 June 2024 |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/china-to-provide-disaster-relief/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |publisher=The National |language=en }} with Australia subsequently providing up to AU$4.5 million in funds and a disaster response team.{{Cite web |last=Faa |first=Marian |date=20 June 2024 |title=Australia to provide $2 million in extra funding to assist with PNG's landslide recovery |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-20/australia-gives-2-million-in-funding-to-png-landslide-relief/104001368 |access-date=20 June 2024 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |publisher= |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=28 May 2024 |title=Fears rise of a second landslide and disease outbreak at site of Papua New Guinea disaster |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-79e867795f8293aab3f35da58b0d1d47 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528044734/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-79e867795f8293aab3f35da58b0d1d47 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Associated Press |publisher= |language=en}} The Australian Defence Force and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services were also deployed to assist in relief efforts.{{Cite web |last=Zarriga |first=Miriam |date=29 May 2024 |title=Lives lost cannot be confirmed |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/lives-lost-cannot-be-confirmed-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529052422/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/lives-lost-cannot-be-confirmed-2/ |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Zarriga |first=Miriam |date=29 May 2024 |title=Australian Defence Force arrives into Enga |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australian-defence-force-arrives-into-enga/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529031111/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/australian-defence-force-arrives-into-enga/ |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}} The Indian government announced relief assistance of US$1 million on 28 May, reaffirming the two countries' ties under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).{{Cite web |date=28 May 2024 |title=India announces immediate relief assistance worth US$ 1 million to Papua New Guinea in the wake of devastating landslide |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37826/India+announces+immediate+relief+assistance+worth+US+1+million+to+Papua+New+Guinea+in+the+wake+of+devastating+landslide |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2024 |website=Ministry of External Affairs |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528123429/https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37826/India+announces+immediate+relief+assistance+worth+US+1+million+to+Papua+New+Guinea+in+the+wake+of+devastating+landslide }}{{Cite news |date=28 May 2024 |title=India announces USD 1 million relief aid for landslide-hit Papua New Guinea |url=https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-announces-usd-1-million-relief-aid-for-landslide-hit-papua-new-guinea/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=DD News |archive-date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528193705/https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-announces-usd-1-million-relief-aid-for-landslide-hit-papua-new-guinea/ }} The European Union released 150,000 euros in aid,{{Cite web |title=European Union allocates PGK 621,000 Emergency Aid to landslide victims in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/european-union-allocates-pgk-621000-emergency-aid-to-landslide-victims-in-enga-province-papua-new-guinea/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529012636/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/european-union-allocates-pgk-621000-emergency-aid-to-landslide-victims-in-enga-province-papua-new-guinea/ |url-status=live }} while USAID provided two million kina ($500,000).{{Cite web |title=United States Provides Emergency Shelter and Humanitarian Support to Landslide-Affected Communities in Enga Province |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/united-states-provides-emergency-shelter-and-humanitarian-support-to-landslide-affected-communities-in-enga-province/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529052814/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/united-states-provides-emergency-shelter-and-humanitarian-support-to-landslide-affected-communities-in-enga-province/ |url-status=live }} On 28 May, the New Zealand Government pledged NZ$1.5 million in relief support{{cite news |title=PNG landslide: NZ Govt announces $1.5m in relief support |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/28/png-landslide-nz-govt-announces-15m-in-relief-support/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=1News |date=28 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528101142/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/28/png-landslide-nz-govt-announces-15m-in-relief-support/ |archive-date=28 May 2024|url-status=live}} and announced plans to deploy a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 aircraft carrying relief supplies and technical expertise.{{Cite web |last=Fotheringham |first=Caleb |date=29 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea landslide: Once lively community left with 'pile of rocks' |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518070/papua-new-guinea-landslide-once-lively-community-left-with-pile-of-rocks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529022709/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518070/papua-new-guinea-landslide-once-lively-community-left-with-pile-of-rocks |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Radio New Zealand |publisher= |language=en}} Japan provided K3.81 million ($1 million) in aid through UNICEF.{{Cite web |title=Japan pledges K3mil in aid |date=12 June 2024 |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/japan-pledges-k3mil-in-aid/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |publisher=The National |language=en }} The Chinese embassy dispatched a medical team to Mulitaka to treat landslide victims.{{Cite web |title=Chinese doctors help landslide victims in Mulitaka |date=20 June 2024 |url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/chinese-doctors-help-landslide-victims-at-mulitaka/ |access-date=20 June 2024 |publisher=The National |language=en }}
The provincial governments of Hela and Southern Highlands pledged K1 million in aid each, while ICTSI South Pacific and Newmont also pledged K1 million, respectively.{{Cite web |title=Prime Minister visits landslide-affected area in Enga Province |date=2 June 2024 |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/prime-minister-visits-landslide-affected-area-in-enga-province/ |access-date=2 June 2024 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602041735/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/prime-minister-visits-landslide-affected-area-in-enga-province/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Newmont Corporation donates K1 million to Enga earthquake relief efforts |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/newmont-corporation-donates-k1-million-to-engaearthquake-relief-efforts00/ |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Papua New Guinea-Post Courier |archive-date=2 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602055356/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/newmont-corporation-donates-k1-million-to-engaearthquake-relief-efforts00/ |url-status=live }}
Rescue work was hampered by large rocks and fallen trees,{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Siladitya |date=May 24, 2024 |title=Dozens Feared Dead After Major Landslide In Remote Papua New Guinea Village |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/05/24/dozens-feared-dead-after-major-landslide-in-remote-papua-new-guinea-village/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524100536/https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/05/24/dozens-feared-dead-after-major-landslide-in-remote-papua-new-guinea-village/ |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Forbes |language=en}} with the Red Cross estimating that it would take up to two days for humanitarian assistance to arrive.{{Cite news |date=2024-05-24 |title=Papua New Guinea: Large landslide causes 'loss of life and property' |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/24/papua-new-guinea-large-landslide-causes-loss-of-life-and-property_6672528_4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524130407/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/24/papua-new-guinea-large-landslide-causes-loss-of-life-and-property_6672528_4.html |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |work=Le Monde |language=en}} Police Commander Martin Kelei reported that recovery efforts were further complicated by the potential danger of additional landslides caused by removing debris, while Coordinator for CARE Australia Justine McMahon stated that instability and shifting of the disaster site and forecasts of future rain could lead to further landslides, threatening rescuers and aid staff.{{Cite web |last=Mao |first=Frances |date=27 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea: Thousands feared missing after landslide |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx778nq0jzyo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527172015/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx778nq0jzyo |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}} The UN migration agency of Papua New Guinea's Serhan Aktoprak reported that the landslide engulfed and blocked three streams located near the villages affected, soaking the ground even more and increasing the risk of future landslides in the recovery area.{{Cite web |last=Rising |first=David |date=2024-05-27 |title=At least 2,000 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide. These are some challenges rescuers face |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-explainer-1e142cb337dc04b5a81e031537909482 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527171932/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-explainer-1e142cb337dc04b5a81e031537909482 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=AP News |language=en}} According to ABC News, only helicopters could access Kaokalam. Clearing of the blocked highway was also delayed due to opposition from some of the relatives of the victims, who called for the site to be preserved in situ as a memorial.{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=31 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea's prime minister visits the site of a landslide estimated to have killed hundreds |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-4743a701cbd8deb17263b8fd9b954083 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531211559/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-4743a701cbd8deb17263b8fd9b954083 |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Associated Press |publisher= |language=en}}
Humanitarian convoys were deployed by road from the provincial capital Wabag toward the disaster zone beginning on 25 May and were escorted by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force to protect the convoys as they passed through Tambitanis, where intertribal clashes resulted in 8 deaths and the burning of 35 homes and businesses. Defense Minister Billy Joseph and PNG National Disaster Centre director Laso Mana visited Wabag on 26 May to assess recovery efforts. The Porgera mine also pledged to provide mechanical diggers to help in rescue and road-clearing operations.{{Cite web |title=Rescuers fear new slips at deadly Papua New Guinea landslide |date=27 May 2024 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240527-rescuers-fear-new-slips-at-deadly-papua-new-guinea-landslide |access-date=2024-05-27 |publisher=France 24 |language=en }} The National Disaster Centre released K500,000 in aid to the Enga provincial government.{{Cite web |last=Taime |first=Mal |date=27 May 2024 |title=Disaster Centre provides support to Mulitaka people |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/disaster-centre-provides-support-to-mulitaka-people/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527170841/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/disaster-centre-provides-support-to-mulitaka-people/ |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}} Heavy equipment arrived at the site on 26 May,{{Cite web |last=McGuirk |first=Rod |date=27 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea says Friday's landslide buried more than 2,000 people and formally asks for help |url=https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-3e1444634d8859b1f2378b334c6a0d41 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527080828/https://apnews.com/article/papua-new-guinea-landslide-3e1444634d8859b1f2378b334c6a0d41 |archive-date=27 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Associated Press |publisher= |language=en}} with more expected to be delivered by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from Lae as early as 28 May. Aid groups expressed concerns over the landslide's effects on youth, who make up 40% of the affected population. At least nine children were orphaned by the landslide.{{Cite web |title=Aid reaches Papua New Guinea landslide site |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240529-aid-reaches-papua-new-guinea-landslide-site |access-date=2024-05-29 |publisher=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529090856/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240529-aid-reaches-papua-new-guinea-landslide-site |url-status=live }} Authorities also announced plans to quarantine the disaster zone to prevent the spread of disease.{{Cite web |last=Foon |first=Eleisha |date=31 May 2024 |title=12 reportedly dead after tribal clashes near PNG landslide |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518378/12-reportedly-dead-after-tribal-clashes-near-png-landslide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531211553/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518378/12-reportedly-dead-after-tribal-clashes-near-png-landslide |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Radio New Zealand |publisher= |language=en}}
A minute of silence was held at the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea to commemorate the victims. During a parliamentary session on 30 May 2024, Speaker Job Pomat reprimanded MPs for a muted response to the disaster, which occurred amid plans to file a no-confidence motion against Marape.{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Don |date=29 May 2024 |title=Papua New Guinea leaders voice profound concern for landslide victims |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518230/papua-new-guinea-leaders-voice-profound-concern-for-landslide-victims |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530014934/https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/518230/papua-new-guinea-leaders-voice-profound-concern-for-landslide-victims |archive-date=30 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Radio New Zealand |publisher= |language=en}} On 31 May, Marape visited the site of the landslide{{Cite web |last=Zarriga |first=Miriam |date=31 May 2024 |title=PM Marape sheds tears for Mulitaka victims |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pm-marape-sheds-tears-for-mulitaka-victims/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531211553/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/pm-marape-sheds-tears-for-mulitaka-victims/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |publisher= |language=en}} and pledged K20 million towards reconstruction efforts.{{Cite web |last=Zarriga |first=Miriam |date=31 May 2024 |title=K20 million for the people of Mulitaka |url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/k20-million-for-the-people-of-mulitaka/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531211555/https://www.postcourier.com.pg/k20-million-for-the-people-of-mulitaka/ |archive-date=31 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-31 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |language=en}}
On 5 June, the military announced that all efforts to recover more bodies would halt due to the danger of further landslides and that access to the site would be restricted.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-05 |title=Body recovery 'called off' at Papua New Guinea landslide site |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/body-recovery-called-off-papua-043030458.html |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-SG |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605092703/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/body-recovery-called-off-papua-043030458.html |url-status=live }}
See also
{{Portal|New Guinea|Earth sciences}}
- 1951 eruption of Mount Lamington
- 1998 Papua New Guinea earthquake
- Kaiapit landslide (Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, 1988)
- 2024 Gofa landslides
- List of landslides
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{ReliefWeb-link|ls-2024-000080-png}}
- [https://www.nbcnews.com/video/eyewitness-video-shows-papua-new-guinea-landslide-aftermath-211564613820 "Eyewitness video captures landslide 'catastrophe' in Papua New Guinea"]—Video of the aftermath of the landslide published by NBC News
- [https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/papua-new-guinea-landslide-hundreds-feared-dead-after-landslide-strikes-village-101716554918162-2.html "Hundreds feared dead after landslide strikes Papua New Guinea village"]—Photos of the aftermath published by the Hindustan Times
- [https://www.acaps.org/fileadmin/Data_Product/Main_media/20240531_ACAPS_Papua_New_Guinea-_Humanitarian_impact_of_landslide_in_Lagaip-Porgera_district.pdf Humanitarian impact of landslide in Lagaip - Porgera district]: A report by ACAPS
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Category:2024 disasters in Papua New Guinea