Papua New Guinea Landslide Disaster
Hundreds were killed and thousands displaced after a devastating landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea.
Impacts of the landslide in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Sr John Mary, Catholic Diocese of Wabag.
This appeal has now closed. Donations made to this appeal helped support immediate relief to affected communities. You can still make a donation to our Emergency Response Appeal, to help communities impacted by disasters around the world. Emergency Response Appeal
Emergency Response Appeal
A woman holds her baby following the Enga landslide. Photo: Sr John Mary/Wabag Diocese
Why is Papua New Guinea vulnerable to landslides?
This is not the first fatal landslide in Papua New Guinea this year. At least 21 people died in three separate landslides across the country in mid-March and another 14 people lost their lives in April.
Papua New Guinea is vulnerable to various natural disasters due to its geographical location, topography, and climate. The country's mountainous terrain and heavy rainfall patterns make it susceptible to landslides and mudslides, particularly in areas with deforestation and soil erosion.
The country experiences frequent seismic activity, with earthquakes of varying magnitudes occurring regularly. PNG is situated in the path of tropical cyclones which bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and displacement of communities. Intense rainfall events can saturate soil, reducing its stability and increasing the risk of landslides, especially on slopes with poor drainage or vegetation cover.
The impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, sea level rise, and altered precipitation patterns, further exacerbate the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. These changes can intensify the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
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of funds are spent on implementing Local and International Programs, including important education and advocacy in Australia to amplify the voice of our partners.
15%
of funds are spent on Fundraising, so that we can maintain and expand the scope of our humanitarian and development partnerships and work across the globe.
7%
of funds are spent on infrastructure, systems and people that make the work we do possible.
Our financial statements follow the financial definitions set by ACFID, and the ratios are calculated accordingly. You can read more in our Annual Reports here.
People climbing up the rubble left by the Enga landslide. Photo: Sr John Mary/Wabag Diocese
The funds you donate to this appeal go to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Fund and will be used to provide humanitarian assistance to communities affected by this crisis. Should circumstances prevent us from delivering aid to this emergency, or if excess funds remain after the crisis, donations will be directed to other emergencies where Caritas has humanitarian operations.
