“This is how we help the victims of landslides”

The testimony of the local Catholic community in the area of ​​Enga province affected by the landslide a week ago. The death toll may be lower than the 2,000 reported, but there are still villages devastated in an area of ​​200 square kilometers and hundreds of families who have lost everything in hard-to-reach areas. “We give thanks in prayer to those who are close to us.”

Wabag () – Families completely swept away by the mountains. And a serious emergency situation in an area that remains difficult to access and where new landslides could occur. Almost a week after the devastating landslide that devastated the Mulitaka area of ​​Papua New Guinea on May 24this is the news coming from the local Catholic diocese of Wabag, which is mobilizing to help.

It is possible that the figure of 2,000 victims released in recent days is an overestimation: there are other reports that speak of several hundred deaths. What is certain, however, is that there are hundreds of people in the Highlands who have lost everything because of this catastrophe. “About 3,950 people resided in the affected area of ​​Mulitaka, which is part of the parish of Kasap,” write the Bishop of Wabang, Monsignor Arnold Orowae, and his collaborators in a note, “We have reached the area affected by the catastrophe, which is located two and a half hours from the headquarters of the diocese. The total population of the area is about 3950 people.’ The diocese reports in particular on the situation of the town of Kaokalam, which – along with Tulipana, on the other side of the mountain – is listed as the most affected.

“According to survivors of the approximately 1,500 members of the Kaokalam community, 178 people were buried alive, while 255 houses were swept away by the gigantic landslide. Five families were completely wiped out by the disaster, while of the other 250 families, some members fled and others died. So far, local people have only found four bodies and some remains of a man. The entire Panges clan, belonging to the Kipul tribe, has been affected. Other houses could still be at risk in the event of new landslides, because the nearby mountains have also already collapsed.

Survivors need immediate help to cover their basic needs, such as food, clothing, medical care, temporary shelter, water, blankets, mats and first aid kits. Then it will be time to rebuild permanent homes, classrooms, health centers, water and sanitation facilities, churches. “As the diocese of Wabag,” a note continues, “we responded quickly by bringing food to those directly affected. We also provided medical supplies to the lightly injured, while the seriously injured were taken to our health centers and Wabag hospital. The landslide left debris up to 8 meters deep in an area of ​​200 square kilometers, cutting off access to roads and making relief difficult. But people of good will helped us get there with our supplies of food and medicine.”

«Thank you very much for your messages of condolence, for your solidarity with us, for your concern and for your prayers and blessings. Any help is welcome.”