In a recent media interview, Mr. Aktoprak revealed the devastating impact of a landslide that occurred in the remote Enga Province in Papua New Guinea. The community in Yambali village, located at the foot of a mountain, is buried under six to eight meters of soil. It is estimated that 150 houses and 670 people are trapped under the debris, with little hope of finding survivors. Despite the dangerous conditions, relief efforts are underway with the assistance of IOM aid workers, UN agencies, NGOs, and government personnel.
The landslide has displaced around 1,000 people in the area, and the death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue. The debris covering the highway into Enga Province has made access to the site difficult, but heavy machinery is set to arrive soon to aid in the search and rescue operations. The United Nations Office in Papua New Guinea has reported that communications infrastructure and access roads have been damaged, further complicating relief efforts.
An Emergency Response Coordination Team has been established to lead relief efforts, which includes various government agencies, the police, Defence Force, and the United Nations. An initial assessment conducted by the Team has identified urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical supplies for those affected by the landslide. The United Nations is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with national and provincial authorities to determine the extent of the damage and casualties, as well as to assess what assistance may be required for those impacted.
Despite the challenges faced by workers due to the ongoing landslides and falling boulders, efforts are being made to locate bodies using any available tools such as spades and sticks. The conditions remain dangerous for workers on the ground, but they are determined to continue with the search and rescue operations. The United Nations is working with partners to provide support and resources to those affected by the disaster, and to ensure that the necessary assistance is provided to address the immediate needs of the community.
In the wake of this tragic event, the international community stands ready to assist in any way possible to help the people of Yambali village and the surrounding areas recover from the devastation caused by the landslide. The United Nations and its partners are committed to providing the necessary support and resources to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts, and to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are being made to assess the extent of the damage and to provide the appropriate assistance to those impacted by this disaster.
