Save the Children is rushing to help communities hit by a terrible landslide in Papua New Guinea’s remote Enga Province. The disaster struck Yambali village early on 24 May, burying at least 150 homes under six to eight meters of rock and soil. Over 670 people have died, according to UN agencies, and the number could go up. The National Disaster Agency of Papua New Guinea fears that more than 2,000 people might be buried under the landslide. An estimated 6,000 people are affected and need urgent help. This number might be higher because the area was also home to people who had fled tribal violence. The Australian Government has promised $2.5 million in initial aid, but long-term recovery will need more support from international donors. Melanie Book, Head of Humanitarian and Global Programs at Save the Children Australia, emphasized the urgent needs. “We are extremely concerned about the impact of this devastating landslide on children and their families in the affected area of Enga Province, as this has fast become one of the worst disasters ever to hit PNG.” Book highlighted the immediate needs of the affected communities, such as food, clean water, hygiene, shelter, and education. She also expressed deep concern for the safety of women and children due to the lack of shelter, the remoteness of the area, and ongoing tribal conflicts. “We are particularly concerned about the protection risks facing women and children with the current lack of shelter, the remoteness of the affected area and tribal conflict in the Highlands.” Book stressed the importance of child protection in the disaster. “Child protection must be prioritised in the disaster response because we know that children are especially vulnerable during disasters.” “This includes access to books and learning materials, which help children continue to learn as well as process the psychosocial impact of the disaster.” To help with recovery, Save the Children will provide non-food items like shelter kits, hygiene kits, essential household items, and solar lights to families affected by the disaster. They also have pre-positioned stocks of items such as tarps, child play kits, and school backpacks ready for evacuees. In addition to physical aid, Book pointed out the need for psychological support for children and their families. “In order to aid their recovery, impacted children and their families will need a wide range of psychological support after witnessing the devastation wreaked by the landslide and the tragic loss of loved ones.” Save the Children and other NGOs are working together to meet the growing needs of the affected communities.