A United Nations rapid assessment report following the May 24 landslide in Papua New Guinea has revealed extensive losses and damage to communities downhill, destroying livelihoods and key infrastructure. Source: Caritas Australia.
The report says 7,849 individuals from 1,427 households across two communities in PNG’s Enga Province were affected by the landslide, with 1,650 individuals from 315 households displaced. One in five displaced people is under the age of six.
The report revealed that food security, clean and safe drinking water (as well as water tanks and purification tablets), and the provision of non-food items such as utensils and clothes are the top three priorities.
Humanitarian agencies are also offering medical supplies, psychosocial services, relocation opportunities, and support to local communities. They are also offering logistic and information management support to the government.
Sr John Mary, secretary and project manageress of the Wabag Diocese within the Enga province, has visited affected communities.
“We have visited communities to deliver food and medicine to people who are digging their loved ones out of the earth. When we were there a body was found and people were crying, and that is just one of many,” Sr John Mary said.
“The shock and grief in these communities is profound, and among it all many have no home to return to, no food to eat, no clean water to drink or no clothes to wear.
“Supporting appeals like the one Caritas Australia is running can help provide some of these things. You are also invited to unite in prayer, for your brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Wabag, who are in most desperate need of your love and compassion.”
Details: www.caritas.org.au/PNG
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Papua New Guinea: Food, clean water and clothing prioritised for 7,849 affected people (Caritas Australia)
