Papua New Guinea

12 November 2024

The Aiya local-level government in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands province experienced heavy rains and strong winds from 11–12 October 2024, causing floods and landslides. By 1 November, the impact had affected around 14,000 people, around 1,800 of whom were displaced. The flooding and landslides significantly damaged homes, water sources, and WASH facilities, disrupting food production and livelihoods. The affected people continue to urgently need food, potable water, and shelter. Poor road infrastructure, inadequate communications systems, a lack of electricity supply, and security issues related to tribal violence in the flood-affected areas limit humanitarian access. (IOM 01/11/2024, UNCT PNG 08/11/2024)

24 September 2024

There has been a significant rise in tribal violence in Enga province since mid-September 2024, especially in Lagaip-Porgera district. The violence has caused a significant number of displacements and casualties, the widespread damage and destruction of property, and the disruption of essential services. The estimated number of fatalities ranges from 20–50. Increased security measures, including curfews, are in place in some of the affected areas. Initial assessments indicate that there are significant humanitarian needs, including food and access to medical care and other essential services.
Insecurity, violence, and logistical challenges are hindering aid delivery. (UNCT PNG 17/09/2024, Crisis24 23/09/2024, The Diplomat 17/09/2024)

28 May 2024

On 24 May 2024, heavy rains triggered a major landslide in Tulpar community in Yambali village, Enga province. Around 2,000 people could be buried under the debris. The landslide displaced 1,650 people and affected nearly 8,000. Immediate needs include shelter, WASH kits, healthcare services, and the facilitation of rescue efforts. (ECHO 28/05/2024 a, ECHO 28/05/2024 b, Govt. Australia 27/05/2024)

16 April 2024

As at 10 April 2024, floods and landslides resulting from heavy rains since March had affected around 90,000 people in Central, Eastern Highlands, Enga, Gulf, Jiwaka, Simbu, and Western Highlands provinces. Those affected urgently need food, potable water, blankets, tents, shelter tools, and WASH items. (Govt. Japan 12/04/2024)

02 April 2024

As at 8 March 2024, around 45% of the violent incidents and 75% of related fatalities in Highlands region had occurred in Enga province since the 2022 elections. Political and intercommunal violence has resulted in an estimated 25,500 IDPs in the province, with around 5,450 displaced since February 2024. Most of them rely on the host community for food, drinking water, shelter, and WASH infrastructure, putting pressure on the latter’s already limited resources. Recurrent tribal fighting has also destroyed many of the host community’s food gardens. The strain on WASH facilities has resulted in inadequate sanitation, long queues for basic hygiene needs, and open defecation practices, posing public health risks. IDPs face significant protection risks, especially gender-based violence, because of violence and insecurity in the area. The women and children who make up most of the IDP population need particular mental health and psychosocial support. (ACLED accessed 03/04/2024, IOM 26/03/2024, IOM 19/12/2022)