Race Against Time in Papua New Guinea: Humanitarian Support Crucial for Recovery

• International Support Needed: Humanitarian organisations are working with the Papua New Guinea government, but a coordinated international response is crucial to provide essential supplies and ensure the safety of affected children and families.

• Urgent Needs: The number of casualties is expected to rise, and immediate needs include food, shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 28 May 2024 – The devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea has left thousands, including many children, facing a desperate struggle for survival. Urgent international support is needed to provide immediate relief and ensure the long-term well-being of all those affected.

Joint assessments with government disaster management authorities, UN agencies and humanitarian agencies like World Vision reveal that the landslide has ravaged Yambali ward 7 and Kaundak ward 14 in Papua New Guinea, displacing 7849 people and completely destroying Tulipari village. The landslide has left families, including many children, without homes, shelter, or necessities.

Early reports from the Papua New Guinea government indicated that over 2,000 people were buried, while the United Nations estimated 670 fatalities. However, due to limited communication and the ongoing search efforts, the true scale of the disaster remains unclear.

Chris Jensen, National Director of World Vision PNG shares, “We are in dire need of a multi-sector response. Our hearts go out to the children and families forced to live in open areas with inadequate shelter. The health and protection risks they face from cold temperatures and unsanitary conditions are deeply concerning."

Homes, schools, livelihoods – entire communities – have been wiped away. This disaster has particularly impacted families, including many children, who are now living in exposed areas with limited supplies. This situation creates a multitude of challenges, from the immediate need for food, shelter, and basic necessities to the risk of disease outbreaks due to unsanitary conditions. Immediate needs include food, shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, and cooking tools. Ensuring proper sanitation facilities is also crucial to prevent the spread of disease.

"The international community's support is essential. We urgently need resources and assistance to improve living conditions and safeguard the health and well-being of the affected children and families. This is a critical moment for action," Jensen added. 

World Vision together with other humanitarian actors and the Papua New Guinea government are working tirelessly to respond to landslide-hit communities. However, the scale of the devastation demands a coordinated international response. Urgent support is needed to provide essential supplies, improve living conditions, and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected children and families.

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For media arrangements:

Rozalia Dala, World Vision PNG Communications Manager (In Port Moresby)

Mobile: +675 7246 5154 | Email: rozalia_dala@wvi.org

 Spokesperson:

Chris Jensen, World Vision PNG National Director (In Port Moresby)

Mobile: +675 74128903 | Whats app: +61420279226 | Skype: cnjensen | Email: chris_jensen@wvi.org