Safety in Papua New Guinea

Safety in Papua New Guinea involves both disaster preparedness and protection from crime. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, floods, landslides, drought and severe storms can affect communities, while serious assault, robbery, rape and burglary create additional personal risks. Conditions differ sharply by province, town, communications access and travel corridor.

Disasters

Disaster risks in Papua New Guinea include earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, floods, landslides, debris flows, liquefaction, drought, water scarcity and severe storms. The National Disaster Centre (NDC) coordinates national preparedness and response with the National Disaster Committee and provincial structures, while warnings and assistance depend strongly on the hazard, province, communications and access. Households should keep essential supplies, identify safer ground and act on official or natural warnings without waiting for a formal message.

Crime

Crime in Papua New Guinea includes actual or threatened offences, personal safety risks, reporting, police contact and support for victims. Recorded cases most often involve serious assault, drug offences, robbery, rape and burglary, but official figures do not measure all crime. Risks are particularly significant in Port Moresby, Lae, Mount Hagen, urban settlements, some Highlands areas and remote resource or travel corridors.

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