UNICEF Scaling Papua New Guinea Landslide Response
UNICEF is working closely with Papua New Guinean authorities and community organizations to provide vital support to survivors.
Search and rescue operations under way in rural Enga province
UNICEF is intensifying its emergency response to a catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea's rural Enga province that killed hundreds of people, destroyed critical infrastructure and left thousands homeless.
An estimated 2,000 people were buried when a limestone mountainside collapsed at 3 a.m. local time on May 24. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 670 residents in Yambali village in Enga's Lagaip Porgera district were killed.
An exact death toll has yet to be determined as search and recovery efforts led by the PNG Defense Force continue under extremely challenging conditions, including a lack of heavy machinery, damaged access roads and terrain that remains unstable.
“We are working closely with Papua New Guinean authorities and community organizations to provide vital support to the survivors of this terrible disaster,” UNICEF Representative Angela Kearney said. “It’s now clear that over 40 percent of those impacted are children under the age of 16 who have been deeply traumatized by the loss of their families, homes and livelihoods.”
UNICEF's immediate response was to distribute hygiene and dignity kits containing buckets, jerrycans, soap, reusable sanitary pads, multipurpose cloths and other items. The supplies had been prepositioned with the local Provincial Health Authority.
Responders are taking preemptive steps to control disease outbreaks and to ensure the dignified recovery of victims. Other immediate priorities include evacuating people from the affected area and delivering emergency medical and psychosocial assistance.
Displaced children and families are receiving essential services and support at evacuation centers supported by local and national authorities while UNICEF helps to assess the broader needs of affected communities, from nutrition to education and child protection.
The affected area is roughly two hours’ drive from Wabag, the provincial capital, along a mostly unpaved road that is difficult to traverse due to damage from previous landslides.
UNICEF responds to hundreds of emergencies every year, working quickly to meet the urgent needs of affected children and families and working in communities with local partners to support sustainable recovery. Learn more.
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