Ten Fatalities Confirmed Following Catastrophic Landslide in East New Britain

A deadly landslide in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province has claimed ten lives, including children, following heavy rains from Cyclone Maila.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 6:59 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Impact of Cyclone Maila and the Toriu River Breach

The primary catalyst for the disaster was the severe weather system associated with Cyclone Maila, which has lashed the region with continuous heavy rain. As the Toriu River exceeded its capacity and breached its banks, the saturated soil on nearby slopes gave way, burying homes in the Gazelle district. Provincial administrator Levi Mano highlighted that the adverse weather conditions made the terrain extremely unstable, creating a high-risk environment for residents living near the river and mountainous foothills.

Heartbreaking Loss and Recovery Efforts

Local reports from the Post-Courier have identified several of the victims, painting a grim picture of the disaster’s toll on families. Among the ten deceased were a five-month-pregnant woman and three toddlers. Gazelle MP Jelta Wong confirmed that while recovery teams faced significant logistical hurdles due to the remoteness of the Baining area, they eventually succeeded in retrieving the bodies of all those reported missing. The difficulty in accessing the site initially delayed the arrival of heavy machinery, forcing early recovery efforts to be conducted by hand.

Remote Access Challenges and Emergency Response

The geography of the Gazelle Baining region presented a major obstacle for disaster management teams. Heavy mud and debris blocked primary access routes, isolating the affected community from immediate ground support. To bypass these land-based disruptions, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum conducted an aerial inspection by helicopter to assess the total extent of the damage. This aerial survey was critical for identifying safe landing zones for the delivery of emergency relief supplies and medical aid to the survivors.