MELBOURNE, Australia – A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea has left rescuers and bereaved families grappling with the grim reality of over 670 people feared dead. The International Organization for Migration has revised its initial death toll estimate upwards, painting a bleak picture of the catastrophic event that buried more than 150 homes in Yambali village under a sea of mud and debris.
Serhan Aktoprak, the head of the U.N. migration agency’s operations in the Pacific island nation, shared the somber news that hopes of finding survivors are fading by the day. As emergency responders struggle to navigate the treacherous terrain in the Highlands region, where tribal conflicts add another layer of complexity to the rescue efforts, around 250 additional houses have been deemed uninhabitable.
With the displacement of an estimated 1,250 individuals and the looming threat of more landslides, the government is contemplating seeking further international assistance. As the devastation unfolds, relief crews are faced with the grim reality that the chances of finding survivors buried under meters of earth and rubble are slim to none.
The psychological toll of the disaster is evident as communities come to terms with the loss and devastation that has befallen them. Aktoprak acknowledged the challenges in accurately determining the death toll, urging caution against inflating figures to grasp the full extent of the tragedy.
In the midst of the chaos, tribal clashes add a layer of danger to the already precarious situation, further complicating the delivery of essential aid to the affected communities. The landscape of trauma and uncertainty is exacerbated by the looming security risks posed by opportunistic criminals amid the chaos.
As the government grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the immediate focus remains on relocating survivors to safer locations and providing essential supplies. The urgent need for food, water, and shelter underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
With the international community poised to provide support, the road to recovery for Papua New Guinea in the wake of this disaster remains fraught with challenges. The resilience of the affected communities and the collective efforts of responders will be pivotal in navigating the daunting path towards rebuilding and healing in the aftermath of this tragic event.