India announces $1 million in immediate relief assistance for landslide-stricken Papua New Guinea
Last week, a catastrophic landslide struck a remote village in Papua New Guinea’s Enga province, resulting in the tragic loss of over 670 lives and the burial of more than 2,000 individuals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound condolences for the devastation caused by the landslide and pledged India’s full support to the affected island nation.
India promptly announced on Tuesday an aid package to assist Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of the devastating landslide, which claimed the lives of 650 people and buried over 2,000 individuals in the South Pacific island nation. This assistance follows Prime Minister Modi’s expressions of sympathy and India’s commitment to provide aid following the massive landslide in Enga province.
According to the national disaster center, over 2,000 people were buried alive in the landslide, with estimates continuously rising since the incident. Despite the challenging terrain and logistical difficulties in delivering aid, efforts to reach the affected area near Yambali village in Enga province are ongoing, although the likelihood of finding survivors is slim.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and devastation caused by the landslide in Papua New Guinea, offering heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and speedy recovery for the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible support and assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the immediate provision of a $1 million relief assistance package to aid in relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in Papua New Guinea. This aid underscores India’s solidarity with Papua New Guinea, reflecting its commitment as a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
India has consistently supported Papua New Guinea during times of crisis, including previous natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, integral to India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), remains unwavering.
In response to the landslide, a state of emergency has been declared in the affected area, with evacuation efforts underway. However, relief operations are hindered by the unstable terrain, remote location, and tribal conflicts. Despite these challenges, emergency teams, including Papua New Guinea’s defense personnel, are working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide assistance.
