This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Red Cross Society will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population.
The situation
A number of incidences of flooding and landslides have been reported across Southern Highlands, Morobe, Western Highlands, Enga, Sandaun, National Capital District, Central and Gulf Provinces.
Southern Highlands Province
At approximately 6.30 am on Tuesday, 24 January, a landslide 1.5 km long, 500-600 metres wide and around 50 metres deep buried houses at Tumbi, a small settlement near the town of Tari in the Southern Highlands Province.
Initial figures estimated that 42 houses and properties were buried and approximately 60 people died.
However, according to the National Disaster Centre on 16 February 2012, the number of people confirmed dead is 25 and up to 35 people are still missing.
A large number of mourners have travelled to the site to wait for the bodies of their relatives to be retrieved for burial. They have erected mourning houses, each house accommodating up to 50 people.
Other people are transiting over the landslide-covered road to and from the town of Komo. Needs of up to 3,000 people include clean water, sanitation, counselling, sexually transmitted disease education and hygiene education.
