Disaster Updates – Spring 2024

This was written for and published in the ADRA News – Spring 2024 edition.

Papua New Guinea Landslide

At 3am on 24 May, a landslide struck Yambali village, Enga Province, causing significant casualties and property damage. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trad (DFAT), an estimated 1,400 households and 7,850 people have been directly affected. Reports also indicate that power lines have been cut, clean water is inaccessible, and the area remains unstable.

Enga Provincial Disaster Committee declared a State of Emergency, coordinating relief actions with national and international partners to address immediate needs and prevent further harm. The remote location, terrain instability, civil conflicts, and damage to main roads made it extremely challenging for people to be rescued and for adequate aid to be delivered. 

ADRA is on the ground, distributing food, water, and other items, such as bedding, to displaced individuals and families. As well as helping the community to meet their immediate needs, ADRA is also looking to longer-term solutions to help those affected recover and rebuild their livelihoods.

Gaza Crisis Response

ADRA is taking urgent action to address the hunger crisis facing displaced communities in Gaza in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. 

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the plight of the local population has reached critical levels. Recent reports from the United Nations indicate that approximately 30 percent of children under the age of two are suffering from acute malnutrition, while over 70 percent of the population is on the brink of famine and enduring catastrophic hunger. 

ADRA, in partnership with non-profit organisations like Anera, has launched the 2024 Gaza Emergency Food Project to extend vital assistance to communities in the region. This joint endeavour encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at addressing the immediate needs of those hardest hit by the crisis. 

Food Distribution: ADRA’s response includes the procurement, preparation, and distribution of more than 28,500 hot meals through community kitchens in North Gaza, ensuring that people are not going hungry. 

Hygiene Support: ADRA is distributing hygiene kits to promote health and sanitation practices among affected communities, mitigating the risk of disease transmission. 

Food Parcels: Over 7,300 food parcels have been distributed to those in need. The parcels contain essential items such as potatoes, carrots, cooking oil, tomato sauce, and za’atar.