A massive landslide in Papua New Guinea is feared to have claimed over 100 lives as it struck six remote villages approximately 600 kilometers north of the capital, Port Moresby, at around 3:00 a.m. local time. Emergency response teams are currently assessing the damage in the region, with significant losses of life, property, and agricultural lands reported. The disaster has been described as a catastrophic natural event, one that is unprecedented in the history of the affected province, according to local sources.
More than 100 people are feared dead following a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea.
The landslide occurred around 3:00 a.m. local time, affecting six remote villages north of Port Moresby.
Footage from the scene shows extensive destruction, with over 300 lives reportedly lost and significant damage to properties and food gardens.
This event marks the 11th fatal landslide in Papua New Guinea in 2024, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to such disasters.
Factors such as frequent earthquakes, intense rainfall, and a tropical climate contribute to the high landslide risk in the region.
While the exact trigger of this landslide is unclear, Papua New Guinea has experienced a series of landslides this year, many associated with heavy rainfall potentially intensified by climate change.
Experts suggest that mapping landslide-prone areas and relocating vulnerable populations could reduce the risk of future disasters.
David Petley, a geographer and Earth scientist, emphasizes the challenge of providing assistance and medical aid to the affected populations due to their vulnerability and lack of national services.
DW News is a global news TV program broadcast by German public state-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).
Deutsche Welle is Germany's public international broadcaster, delivering news, features, and documentaries across television, radio, and digital platforms in roughly 30 languages. Although it is funded by the German federal tax budget, DW is legally mandated to operate with strict editorial independence. Its primary mission is to convey a comprehensive picture of Germany, present independent perspectives on global events, and promote the understanding of democratic values internationally.
