Jump to content

2024 Enga landslide

Coordinates: 5°22′26″S 143°23′19″E / 5.37389°S 143.38861°E / -5.37389; 143.38861
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2024 Enga landslide
2024 Enga landslide is located in Papua New Guinea
2024 Enga landslide
Date24 May 2024 (2024-05-24)
Timec. 03:00 PGT (UTC+10:00)
LocationMaip Muritaka Rural LLG, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
Coordinates5°22′26″S 143°23′19″E / 5.37389°S 143.38861°E / -5.37389; 143.38861[citation needed]
CauseGold mining and/or heavy rains (suspected)[1][2]
Deaths670 (6 June official death toll cited by the government)
160–2,000+ (estimated)
Non-fatal injuries17
Map
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,[3] with thousands more buried and presumed dead, though estimates of the death toll vary greatly, with some estimating that only 160 had died.[4]

Background

[edit]

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,[2] and in April, 14 people died in a landslide, while 21 died in a landslide one month earlier.[5]

Cause

[edit]

On 18 May, a Mw 4.5 earthquake occurred 105 km (65 mi) west of where the landslide happened. It struck 126.2 km (78.4 mi) below the surface[6] and has been suggested as a possible cause of the landslide.[1] 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.[2]

Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape has blamed climate change for the disaster.[7]

Impact

[edit]

The landslide occurred at approximately 03:00 PGT on 24 May 2024 (17:00 UTC on 23 May),[8] after a large amount of debris was dislodged from the limestone slopes of Mount Mungalo.[9][2] 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.[10] The landslide destroyed six villages in Maip Muritaka Rural LLG.[2] In Kaokalam village alone, dozens of houses were destroyed and at least 150 people died.[11][12] It blocked a highway near the Porgera Gold Mine, and destroyed 150 metres (490 ft) of the main highway leading into Kaokalam, causing concerns over the supply of fuel and goods.[13][1][14] 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.[15] A road construction crew working on the highway was also buried in the landslide.[16]

Approximately 2,000 people were buried and presumed dead in Tulipana village.[17] The Highlands Highway connecting the area to Port Moresby, the capital, was also blocked.[18] Gardens which provided food for the village and its three water streams were buried and destroyed.[19] 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".[20] Later estimates put the area covered by the landslide at 600 metres (2,000 ft) long and 90,000 square metres (970,000 sq ft).[21] The debris was estimated to be 6 metres (20 ft) to 8 metres (26 ft) deep.[22]

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[23] and the fact that the affected area also hosted pubs catering to miners from other villages[24] as well as people displaced by intertribal fighting.[25] On 27 May, it was estimated that 2,000 people may have died by the landslide in Yambali village alone.[26] These numbers were not confirmed by government officials.[20] 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.[24] As of 6 June, the official death toll cited by the government was 670.[27]

Over 4,000 people were directly affected.[28] Twelve bodies,[3] including a leg, were recovered.[9] At least 17 people were injured[29] and four others were rescued, while 1,182 homes were reported to have been destroyed or buried.[30][31] More than 5,000 pigs, 100 stores, and five vehicles were also believed to have been buried,[32] as well as two health centres.[33] An additional 250 homes were condemned due to unstable ground conditions,[9] displacing about 1,650 people.[27]

Aftermath

[edit]

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.[34]

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.[35] By dusk, rescuers at the scene utilized a mechanical digger and tools in an attempt to locate survivors.[36] The Papua New Guinea government formally requested aid from the United Nations and other countries on 26 May.[37] A state of emergency was declared in the affected region,[38] with authorities saying that nearly 7,900 people living near the disaster site were at risk from further landslides.[39] Condolences were sent by Governor-General Bob Dadae and King Charles III.[40][41]

International humanitarian agency CARE and the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society said that they were assessing the situation.[42][1][43] 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.[28] Australia, China, France, India, and the United States said they were prepared to assist in humanitarian efforts,[20][44][45][46][47] with Australia subsequently providing up to AU$4.5 million in funds and a disaster response team.[48][37] The Australian Defence Force and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services were also deployed to assist in relief efforts.[49][50] 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).[51][52] The European Union released 150,000 euros in aid,[53] while USAID provided two million kina ($500,000).[54] On 28 May, the New Zealand Government pledged NZ$1.5 million in relief support[55] and announced plans to deploy a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 aircraft carrying relief supplies and technical expertise.[56] Japan provided K3.81 million ($1 million) in aid through UNICEF.[57] The Chinese embassy dispatched a medical team to Mulitaka to treat landslide victims.[58]

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.[59][60]

Rescue work was hampered by large rocks and fallen trees,[61] with the Red Cross estimating that it would take up to two days for humanitarian assistance to arrive.[2] 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.[62] 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.[63] According to ABC News, only helicopters could access Kaokalam.[20] 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.[64]

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.[9] The Porgera mine also pledged to provide mechanical diggers to help in rescue and road-clearing operations.[65] The National Disaster Centre released K500,000 in aid to the Enga provincial government.[66] Heavy equipment arrived at the site on 26 May,[67] with more expected to be delivered by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force from Lae as early as 28 May.[63] 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.[68] Authorities also announced plans to quarantine the disaster zone to prevent the spread of disease.[69]

A minute of silence was held at the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea to commemorate the victims.[24] 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.[70] On 31 May, Marape visited the site of the landslide[71] and pledged K20 million towards reconstruction efforts.[72]

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.[73]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Chen, Heather; Szekeres, Edward; Stambaugh, Alex; Suri, Manveena (24 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea landslide: More than 100 people feared dead in remote region". CNN. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Papua New Guinea: Large landslide causes 'loss of life and property'". Le Monde. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b "'Mass burial site': PNG landslide death toll remains unknown". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  4. ^ Dziedzic, Stephen (31 May 2024). "'The earth is moving': PNG PM explains why he can't send excavators to site of landslide disaster". ABC News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  5. ^ Thorpe, Andrew (24 May 2024). "Why does Papua New Guinea experience so many fatal landslides — and what can be done?". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  6. ^ "M 4.5 – 96 km WNW of Porgera, Papua New Guinea". United States Geological Survey. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  7. ^ Coren, Anna (29 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea PM blames climate crisis for deadly landslide". CNN. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  8. ^ Lynch, Niamh (26 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea: More than 670 have died, new local estimates say". Sky News. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d McGuirk, Rod (26 May 2024). "Over 670 people died in a massive Papua New Guinea landslide, UN estimates, as survivors seek safety". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  10. ^ Faa, Marian; Gunga, Theckla (2 June 2024). "Survivors of PNG landslide say they heard two loud cracks before mountainside fell on village". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  11. ^ Zarriga, Miriam (7 June 2024). "Search called off for victims of Mulitaka landslide". Papua New Guinea-Post Courier. Archived from the original on 7 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  12. ^ "PNG landslide: Couple pulled alive from rubble as 690 feared dead". asiapacificreport.nz. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Hundreds Feared Dead After Landslide Hits Remote Papua New Guinea Village". Citizen TV. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  14. ^ "More than 100 feared dead in massive landslide in Papua New Guinea". CBS News. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  15. ^ "Hopes fade of finding survivors in Papua New Guinea landslide as UN calls emergency meeting". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Entire village buried alive in landslide". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  17. ^ Taime, Mal (5 June 2024). "Landslide covered village to become cemetery". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  18. ^ Cursino, Malu (25 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea landslide: Race to rescue villagers trapped". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  19. ^ Kuku, Rebecca (25 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea landslide: rescue convoy heads to remote village as scores feared buried". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d McGuirk, Rod (24 May 2024). "More than 100 people believed killed by a landslide in Papua New Guinea, Australian media report". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  21. ^ "UN warns of disease risk after Papua New Guinea landslide". France 24. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  22. ^ Stambaugh, Alex (25 May 2024). "Three bodies recovered after Papua New Guinea landslide, 'significant' death toll expected". CNN. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  23. ^ "More than 2,000 people buried in Papua New Guinea landslide". France 24. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  24. ^ a b c Dziedzic, Stephen; Wayne, Hilda (29 May 2024). "Uncertainty surrounds PNG landslide death toll as relief supplies begin arriving at disaster zone". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Papua New Guinea evacuating landslide villages as hopes for survivors fade landslide". Al Jazeera. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Death toll in Papua New Guinea climbs to 2,000". The Street Journal. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Papua New Guinea landslide: People in Enga's high risk areas advised to relocate". Radio New Zealand. 6 June 2024. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  28. ^ a b Faa, Marian (25 May 2024). "Situation in Papua New Guinea 'catastrophic' following landslide, with 4,000 in need of aid". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  29. ^ McGuirk, Rod (30 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea landslide survivors slow to move to safer ground after hundreds buried". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  30. ^ Foon, Eleisha (24 May 2024). "Hundreds feared dead after huge landslide in Papua New Guinea". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  31. ^ "More than 300 buried in Papua New Guinea landslide, local media says". Reuters. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  32. ^ "Akem calls for help after landslide buried a whole village in Enga Province". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 25 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  33. ^ Faa, Marian (26 May 2024). "More than 670 people now feared dead following landslide in Papua New Guinea's highlands". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  34. ^ "Papua New Guinea: More than 2,000 people buried alive in landslide - as 'major destruction' hampers rescue efforts". Sky News. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  35. ^ "More than 100 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Massive landslide hits Papua New Guinea, many feared dead". Yahoo News. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  37. ^ a b McGuirk, Rod (28 May 2024). "Fears rise of a second landslide and disease outbreak at site of Papua New Guinea disaster". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Papua New Guinea orders thousands to evacuate amid second landslide fears". France 24. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  39. ^ Mao, Frances; Watson, Katy (28 May 2024). "Deadly landslide threatens thousands more as hopes for survivors fade". BBC. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Governor General sends his condolence to the people of Enga". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  41. ^ "His Majesty King Charles III, has expressed shock and sadness". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  42. ^ Ng, Kelly (24 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea: Many feared dead in massive landslide". BBC. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Dozens feared dead after 'massive' landslide hits Papua New Guinea". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  44. ^ "Massive landslide hits Papua New Guinea, many feared dead". France 24. 24 May 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  45. ^ "France sends condolences and support following the devastating landslide in Enga Province". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  46. ^ "India extends condolence". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 27 May 2024. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  47. ^ "China to provide disaster relief". The National. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  48. ^ Faa, Marian (20 June 2024). "Australia to provide $2 million in extra funding to assist with PNG's landslide recovery". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  49. ^ Zarriga, Miriam (29 May 2024). "Lives lost cannot be confirmed". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  50. ^ Zarriga, Miriam (29 May 2024). "Australian Defence Force arrives into Enga". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  51. ^ "India announces immediate relief assistance worth US$ 1 million to Papua New Guinea in the wake of devastating landslide". Ministry of External Affairs. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  52. ^ "India announces USD 1 million relief aid for landslide-hit Papua New Guinea". DD News. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  53. ^ "European Union allocates PGK 621,000 Emergency Aid to landslide victims in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 29 May 2024. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  54. ^ "United States Provides Emergency Shelter and Humanitarian Support to Landslide-Affected Communities in Enga Province". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 29 May 2024. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  55. ^ "PNG landslide: NZ Govt announces $1.5m in relief support". 1 News. 28 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  56. ^ Fotheringham, Caleb (29 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea landslide: Once lively community left with 'pile of rocks'". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  57. ^ "Japan pledges K3mil in aid". The National. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  58. ^ "Chinese doctors help landslide victims in Mulitaka". The National. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  59. ^ "Prime Minister visits landslide-affected area in Enga Province". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. 2 June 2024. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  60. ^ "Newmont Corporation donates K1 million to Enga earthquake relief efforts". Papua New Guinea-Post Courier. 2 June 2024. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  61. ^ Ray, Siladitya (24 May 2024). "Dozens Feared Dead After Major Landslide In Remote Papua New Guinea Village". Forbes. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  62. ^ Mao, Frances (27 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea: Thousands feared missing after landslide". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  63. ^ a b Rising, David (27 May 2024). "At least 2,000 feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide. These are some challenges rescuers face". AP News. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  64. ^ McGuirk, Rod (31 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea's prime minister visits the site of a landslide estimated to have killed hundreds". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  65. ^ "Rescuers fear new slips at deadly Papua New Guinea landslide". France 24. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  66. ^ Taime, Mal (27 May 2024). "Disaster Centre provides support to Mulitaka people". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  67. ^ McGuirk, Rod (27 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea says Friday's landslide buried more than 2,000 people and formally asks for help". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  68. ^ "Aid reaches Papua New Guinea landslide site". France 24. 29 May 2024. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  69. ^ Foon, Eleisha (31 May 2024). "12 reportedly dead after tribal clashes near PNG landslide". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  70. ^ Wiseman, Don (29 May 2024). "Papua New Guinea leaders voice profound concern for landslide victims". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  71. ^ Zarriga, Miriam (31 May 2024). "PM Marape sheds tears for Mulitaka victims". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  72. ^ Zarriga, Miriam (31 May 2024). "K20 million for the people of Mulitaka". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  73. ^ "Body recovery 'called off' at Papua New Guinea landslide site". Yahoo News. 5 June 2024. Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2024_Enga_landslide&oldid=1254697165"