Emergency responders in Papua New Guinea are facing a race against time as they search for safer ground to relocate thousands of survivors at risk from a potential second landslide in the country's highlands. The disaster struck the village of Yambali in the nation's mountainous interior, leaving hundreds buried under a mass of boulders, earth, and splintered trees.
Up to 8,000 people may need to be evacuated as the unstable ground continues to pose a threat. However, the current evacuation center near Yambali has limited capacity, accommodating only about 50 families. Authorities are now working to identify additional locations to accommodate the anticipated number of evacuees.
The arrival of heavy earth-moving equipment at the disaster site has been delayed, raising concerns about the humanitarian response. The unstable ground is hindering access for emergency workers, with safety being a top priority before further assistance can be provided.
There are fears that using excavation machinery could trigger a second landslide, adding to the challenges faced by organizations like CARE International, World Vision, and the Red Cross in delivering aid to the affected area. Tribal warfare in the region further complicates efforts to establish a presence and provide assistance.
The United Nations estimates that 670 villagers lost their lives in the disaster, with over 1,650 survivors displaced. The Papua New Guinea government believes that more than 2,000 people may have been buried, although only six bodies have been recovered so far.
Despite logistical challenges, relief efforts are underway, with the Australian air force delivering shelters, generators, water purification kits, and other supplies to the region. The Papua New Guinea Defense Force is working to bring in heavy earth-moving machines to assist in the search and recovery operations.
The situation remains critical as emergency teams negotiate with traumatized villagers over the use of heavy machinery to locate buried relatives. The need for swift and coordinated action is paramount as Papua New Guinea grapples with the aftermath of this devastating landslide.
