Markham Valley
Morobe
Markham Valley is a significant geographical area in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, stretching approximately 160 kilometers from the port city of Lae to the junction of the Highlands Highway and the road to Madang. It is characterized by its exceptionally flat terrain that extends for miles, bordered by surrounding mountains on three sides. The valley is traversed by the Markham River and the Highlands Highway, serving as a vital route through the region. The local population, of Oceanic (Austronesian) descent, live in large villages governed by a chieftain political system, reflecting the area's rich cultural traditions. The valley's climate is notably hot and predominantly dry, with annual grass burning by locals to manage the dry vegetation. Land use is mainly agricultural, focusing on cattle pasture, sugar-cane cultivation, and chicken farming. The valley's name honors Sir Clements Markham, commemorated by Captain John Moresby during his 1873 exploration voyage. In 1993, the valley experienced a devastating natural disaster when a series of earthquakes triggered landslides and breached landslide dams, resulting in significant loss of life and damage to the region.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry season to avoid the hot and dry conditions that can make travel challenging. It is advisable to arrange transportation along the Highlands Highway in advance, as this is the main access route through the valley. While exploring, respect local customs and communities governed by traditional chieftain systems. Due to the valley's history of seismic activity, stay informed about current safety advisories. No specific ticketing or entrance fees apply as the valley is a natural and inhabited region.
Interesting facts
- •The valley is named after Sir Clements Markham, commemorated by Captain John Moresby during his 1873 exploration.
- •The Markham Valley is approximately 160 kilometers long and gains about 500 meters in elevation.
- •The valley is known for its flatness, described as 'flatter than a pancake' for miles.
- •Locals traditionally burn dry grass annually to manage vegetation.
- •In 1993, a series of earthquakes caused landslides and breached dams, resulting in sixty fatalities.
History
The Markham Valley was named by Captain John Moresby in 1873 after Sir Clements Markham, Secretary of the British Royal Geographical Society.
Historically, the valley has been inhabited by Oceanic peoples living in large villages under chieftain leadership.
Over time, the valley has developed primarily as an agricultural area, with cattle pasture and crop farming dominating land use.
In 1993, the valley suffered a major natural disaster when earthquakes caused landslides and breached dams, tragically resulting in the loss of sixty lives and significant environmental impact.