Almost a month and a half after the devastating landslide in Enga on 24 May, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) working in partnership with the National Disaster Centre and local authorities in Enga province continues its unwavering efforts to support disaster-affected communities with vital food aid.  

On 9-11 July, IOM distributed food rations that included rice, tin fish, cooking oil, sugar, and iodized salt to 121 disaster-affected households, providing much-needed relief to population still reeling from the landslide disaster. The distributed food rations will be sufficient for families for up to one month. This recent distribution brings the total number of households reached with food assistance, supported by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), to 721, benefiting about 3600 individuals. Earlier in June, IOM delivered food rations to 600 households, helping them navigate the immediate aftermath of the landslide.  

IOM continues to maintain its presence on the ground in Enga province and its team is distributing food rations to the remaining 79 households. Upon completion, all 800 targeted households targeted under the USAID/BHA funding will have received essential food supplies, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing relief effort. The distribution of food rations is a critical component of IOM’s broader humanitarian response in Enga province. IOM’s intervention has been instrumental in stabilizing the situation and providing a lifeline to those in dire need. IOM’s food assistance initiative underscores its commitment to providing timely and effective humanitarian aid. By addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the Enga landslide, IOM aims to foster stability within these communities. This commitment helps the affected population meet their immediate needs and supports them as they begin rebuilding their lives. 

In addition to providing food aid, IOM has been actively involved in other aspects of the relief and transition to recovery efforts. These include assessing the damage and needs of affected communities, coordinating with local and international partners, and planning for capacity and resilience building initiatives. The organization's comprehensive approach ensures that the immediate needs of disaster-affected families are met while also laying the groundwork for sustainable transition to recovery. As the relief efforts continue, IOM remains dedicated to working alongside local authorities and other humanitarian partners to ensure that all affected households receive the support they need.

The organization’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of collaboration and community resilience in the face of disasters. The food rations distributed by IOM through USAID/BHA funding will benefit up to 4,000 women, girls, men, and boys affected by the landslide disaster in Enga province. 

For more inquiries, please contact IOM Port Moresby: 

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int  

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int