Port Moresby – On 10 August, Her Excellency Ann Marie Yastishock, the U.S. Ambassador to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Republic of Vanuatu, visited Enga province to assess the ongoing disaster response efforts and strengthen U.S. government’s support for the communities affected by the Mulitaka landslide.

The Ambassador was warmly received at Wapenamanda Airport by the Governor of Enga province Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, the Provincial Administrator, Sandis Tsaka, and senior public servants, and travelled to the disaster site.

The Ambassador observed the extensive damage caused by the landslide and expressed her condolences, and emphasized the importance of continued U.S. government’s support, highlighting USAID's contributions through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "We visited to pay our respects and understand what additional support can be provided," stated Ambassador Yastishock. She underscored the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Government, IOM, and local authorities in responding to the disaster.

The Deputy Administrator and Disaster Controller, Kenneth Andrew, while speaking on behalf of the provincial government and the affected communities, expressed their gratitude for the U.S. government’s support, which has been crucial in the ongoing efforts to assist communities affected by the Mulitaka landside disaster.

IOM, funded by USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance has so far completed two rounds of displacement tracking matrix assessments providing the government and partners with data and information critical to inform the response and recovery planning. Also, the affected communities have received shelter and non-food items, and food rations through USAID’s support.

Additional interventions funded by USAID, and successfully completed by IOM in partnership with the National Disaster Centre and Enga Provincial Government include training in Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and a joint planning workshop on solutions to Mulitaka displacement.

This Ambassador’s visit underscores the strong partnership between the U.S. government and Papua New Guinea in enhancing disaster risk management in the country.

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For further information, 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