In Papua New Guinea, a mountainside slipped, killing thousands of people. Marlène Villeneuve explains what the causes are and why a warning was hardly possible. Aid organizations are on site.
It was a split second. A mountain wall broke loose, slid into the valley, killing thousands of people. The people of Papua New Guinea dig for survivors with their bare hands. But hope dwindles with every passing minute. The disaster occurred on May 24.
But could the residents have been warned? “There is no early warning system. The installation of such systems would be difficult to implement due to the large number of potentially endangered slopes and difficult accessibility in remote areas,” explains Marlène Villeneuve, professor of rock mechanics at the Montanuni in Leoben (Styria).
Papua New Guinea is located in a geologically complex and highly active zone, making the country particularly vulnerable to landslides. The region is characterized by weak rocks, faults, heavy rainfall, river erosion and frequent earthquakes. “These factors contribute significantly to the risk of landslides,” the expert said.
Danger of landslides due to deforestation
But people may also have contributed to this. “Deforestation and mining increase the risk of landslides. Deforestation reduces the soil’s ability to slowly absorb and release rainwater, which can lead to rapid runoff and erosion.”
And the bad: the earth in the highland is still moving. Thousands of survivors have to be moved to safety because of the fear of new rock avalanches.
Professor has suggestions for solutions
The professor sees similarities in the geological structure of Papua New Guinea with New Zealand. Risk reduction has been achieved here. “Solutions include stabilizing slopes along key infrastructure. This ensures a rapid response and education and communication to the public about the dangers of landslides,” explains Marlène Villeneuve in the “Krone” interview.
Chris Jenson, Papua New Guinea’s World Vision Director, describes the difficulties of the end of the world relief mission.
“Kron”:Mr. Jensen, what is the situation in the landslide area?
Chris Jenson: It’s tragic. Due to the size of the landslide, it is difficult to verify the number of victims. The landslide occurred at 3am. The residents could not have done anything because they were sleeping at the time, hence the large number of missing people. The size of the fallen rocks is also astonishing. The search becomes even more complicated as more landslides and unstable blocks may occur. Rescue operations are extremely difficult.
What else is coming?
Families and children are forced to live in open areas with inadequate shelter. The health risks they face due to the low temperatures and unsanitary conditions are worrying.
What about drinking water and electricity?
In Papua New Guinea, generally only four in ten people have access to clean drinking water. In rural areas this share is even lower. Most rural communities are without electricity because they are not connected to the grid.
How does World Vision help on the ground?
Among other things, we are preparing the distribution of clothing for the children, blankets, mosquito nets and towels.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
