The United Nations in Papua New Guinea Media Release on the Recent Landslide in Enga Province - May 2024

The landslide occurred in a remote part of Papua New Guinea at 03:00 on Friday 24 May. Access roads to the affected site have been damaged, as has communications infrastructure. While the total number of casualties is yet to be determined, preliminary reporting indicates the death toll may be significant. Search and rescue efforts are underway, although continuous landslides and falling boulders are affecting these efforts. 

The Emergency Response Coordination Team, comprising of the Enga Provincial Disaster Coordination Office, the Department of Health, Department of Provincial Works, police, Defence Force, and the United Nations are coordinating and leading relief efforts. An initial rapid impact assessment conducted by the Emergency Response Coordination Team has identified immediate need for food, shelter and medical supplies, among others. 

The United Nations is monitoring the situation very closely, in collaboration with national and provincial government authorities, including other partners to determine the extent of damage, casualties and possible assistance that may be required for those impacted.

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For queries, contact Ms Kesang Phuntsho, Head of Office, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Port Moresby. kesang.phuntsho@un.org