Australia to Provide Aid to Papua New Guinea as Rain Increases Safety Concerns at Landslide Site

Australia is gearing up to provide crucial assistance to Papua New Guinea after a devastating landslide buried hundreds of villagers in Enga province. The United Nations estimates that 670 people lost their lives in the tragedy, with only six bodies recovered so far.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that discussions have been ongoing with Papua New Guinea officials since Friday, with plans to send aircraft and equipment to aid in search and rescue efforts. The unstable rubble, covering an area the size of three to four football fields, has become a major concern as overnight rains in the region could further destabilize the debris.

As heavy rain continues to fall in the area, emergency responders are worried about the risk of additional landslides and the safety of those involved in the rescue operation. The International Organization for Migration’s mission chief in Papua New Guinea, Serhan Aktoprak, highlighted the dangers posed by the ongoing weather conditions, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

Papua New Guinea’s government officials, including Defense Minister Billy Joseph and National Disaster Center director Laso Mana, have been on the ground assessing the situation and providing support to the displaced survivors. The government is considering requesting more international assistance as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer.

With the risk of further landslides looming, the focus remains on coordinating efforts to safely locate and recover the victims. The collaboration between Australia and Papua New Guinea underscores the importance of regional cooperation in times of crisis.