Ahead of Prime Minister No-Confidence Vote, Avoids On-Site Visit
Criticism of Authorities Evading Responsibility Over 'Cause of Climate Anomalies' Remarks
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, a South Pacific island nation where a large-scale landslide occurred, has avoided responsibility by authorities and claimed that the massive rainfall caused by climate change is the cause of this disaster.
According to major foreign media on the 29th (local time), James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, said in a parliamentary speech that day, "Nature caused a catastrophic landslide that covered the village," and "We are facing a situation where the dry season is turning into the rainy season due to unusual climate movements, and global climate change is the cause of this disaster."
It is reported that Prime Minister Marape has not visited the accident site even after nearly a week since the landslide occurred. Foreign media assessed that he is not leaving the capital to prevent a no-confidence vote led by the opposition party.
Prime Minister Marape explained, "Even before this landslide, natural disasters have caused economic losses of 500 million Papua New Guinean kina (about 175 billion KRW) this year alone," adding, "We have experienced floods caused by river overflows, rising sea levels in coastal areas, and landslides due to heavy rains this year."
At around 3 a.m. on the 24th, a large-scale landslide occurred in the Enga Province mountainous area of Papua New Guinea. Rocks, soil, and trees pouring down from the mountain covered the village, with debris piled up to 6?8 meters high over an area equivalent to four soccer fields.
Authorities in Papua New Guinea report that more than 2,000 people have died and about 70,000 people are affected by the disaster. Additionally, with water sources buried and residents digging by hand to recover bodies, there are concerns about further damage due to the potential outbreak of infectious diseases.
Countries around the world are sending relief efforts to help Papua New Guinea. Australia delivered relief supplies such as food, water, blankets, and tents using two military aircraft. They also plan to send additional relief supplies along with rescue personnel and technical teams. The United States and India have also promised support, and relief supplies and personnel sent by international organizations and aid groups are arriving.
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