The United Nations Ongoing Assistance in Response to Landslide Disaster in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea - May 2024

Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force is leading search and rescue efforts. The site’s remoteness, ongoing terrain movement and damage to access roads is slowing relief efforts. Government authorities remain focused on clearing debris and improving access to the site. 

While the exact number of victims is still not known, affected communities estimate that at least 670 people are missing following the landslide, this number is subject to change as rescue efforts are ongoing and expected to continue for days. The UN continues to work with local authorities to verify preliminary estimates of injured, missing and dead. 

The UN continues to assist Government authorities with the coordination of response efforts. Necessary relief supplies including emergency shelter, food and water are being prepared for transport and distribution. This follows a limited, preliminary distribution of such items over the last 24 hours.

The UN has assisted with establishing evacuation centres which are offering assistance to those affected by the event. These centres are being managed by local authorities with the assistance of Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force. 

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