Authorities in Papua New Guinea have mandated the evacuation of thousands of residents in the Morobe Province due to an active landslide threatening several communities. The landslide, exacerbated by relentless heavy rainfall, has already caused significant damage and continues to pose severe risks.
The National Disaster Centre (NDC) of Papua New Guinea reported that the landslide began early last week in the province’s remote areas, displacing hundreds of families and damaging infrastructure. The NDC has described the situation as “critical” and emphasized the urgent need for evacuation to prevent further loss of life and property.
“This is an active landslide situation,” said NDC Director Colonel Carl Wrakonei.
The continuous rainfall has destabilized the soil, and the risk of further landslides remains high. We urge all residents in the affected areas to comply with evacuation orders and move to safer grounds immediately.
Local authorities have established temporary shelters and are coordinating with humanitarian organizations to provide necessary aid to the displaced population. Food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials are being distributed to ensure the well-being of evacuees.
The Morobe Province Governor, Gibson Saonu, has expressed concern over the disaster’s impact on the local communities.
Our priority is to safeguard the lives of our people. We are working closely with the NDC and other agencies to provide support and ensure that those affected are cared for,
– Saonu stated.
Efforts to stabilize the area and prevent further landslides are ongoing. Teams of geologists and engineers are assessing the situation and advising on immediate actions. The government has also appealed to international partners for assistance in managing the crisis.
Residents in nearby areas have been advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential evacuation as the weather forecast predicts continued rainfall. Schools and businesses in the affected regions have been temporarily closed, and transportation has been severely disrupted due to damaged roads.
The landslide highlights Papua New Guinea’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly in remote and mountainous regions. The country’s topography and climate change-induced weather patterns have increased the frequency and intensity of such events, posing significant challenges to disaster management and response.
As the situation develops, the government urges the public to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety directives to mitigate the impact of this ongoing natural disaster.
Source: Reuters May 28, 2024
