More than 100 people believed killed by landslide in Papua New Guinea, media reports
PBS NewsHourJUN 2 2024
Thousands Buried in Papua New Guinea Landslide
Above: 2012 landslide in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea. Image copyright: AUSAID via Wikimedia Commons
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This crisis can only be solved with immense international support. As Papua New Guinea is a diverse, developing nation of mostly subsistence farmers, limited road connectivity and a disrupted power supply will make relief operations difficult. While the US and Australia are already involved in the response, a lot more may need to be done.
Establishment-critical narrative
Since its independence in 1975, Papua New Guinea has relied heavily on industries like palm oil and logging but has also been struggling with corruption and environmental degradation. Due to World Bank intervention, land reforms have led to deforestation and socio-economic disparities to enrich corporations hungry for access to its resources.