Singapore, 29 May 2024 – In response to the devastating landslide that occurred in Papua New Guinea, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is committing SGD50,000 to support the ongoing emergency relief operations by the Papua New Guinea Red Cross (PNGRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to those affected by the disaster. The contribution will be used to meet the urgent needs of those affected, such as food, emergency shelter, trauma care, non-food essentials, and water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies. 

SRC will also launch a public fundraising appeal for recovery efforts in Papua New Guinea.

On 24 May 2024, heavy rains struck Tulpar community in Yambali village, Enga Province, in the northern region of Papua New Guinea and this triggered a massive landslide at 3am (local time), burying houses with families still sleeping inside. An estimated 1,427 households were affected with at least 670 people presumed dead. Over 2,000 people are estimated to be still trapped under debris and more than 1,200 people are feared to be displaced. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic landslide that resulted in the devastating loss of lives and thousands more displaced. We are working closely with our partners from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to monitor the situation and determine how our humanitarian aid can best assist the affected communities. As we launch our fundraising efforts, we hope the people of Singapore will stand in unity with us to support communities in need.” said Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General/CEO of the Singapore Red Cross. 

Currently, the PNGRCS and the IFRC are actively providing support by coordinating efforts with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force who are leading the search and rescue operations. Immediate assistance is being provided to those displaced, including the establishment of an evacuation area, distribution of relief items such as blankets, solar torches, and jerrycans. Trained volunteers in areas such as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support are on standby.    

Relief efforts are extremely challenging due to the remote area and the ongoing instability of the land caused by the heavy rain. The impact of the landslide also buried a 200-meter stretch of the province’s main highway under 8-meter deep debris, significantly hindering access to the affected communities. Additional obstacles include patchy reception, lack of electricity at the site and tribal warfare.

With more rainfall forecasted in the coming days, the fatality count is expected to rise as excavations continue.

Image via United Nations in Papua New Guinea