India extends $1 million in aid to Papua New Guinea following the devastating landslide
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his heartfelt condolences and assured Port Moresby of India's full support and assistance.
In response to a severe landslide in Papua New Guinea, India has promptly pledged $1 million in relief aid, according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on May 28.This follows a catastrophic landslide that struck Enga Province in Papua New Guinea on May 24, burying hundreds of people and causing significant destruction and loss of life.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday, “As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of $1 million to support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.” It further added, “India has firmly stood by Papua New Guinea during times of difficulty and devastation caused by natural disasters, as in the wake of the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. India is committed to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder.”
India Extends Solidarity to Papua New Guinea: A Lifeline Amidst Tragedy
The statement also referenced India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), which was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, emphasizing its focus on disaster risk reduction and management. In a post on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), Prime Minister Modi extended heartfelt condolences and affirmed India’s willingness to provide all necessary support and assistance to Papua New Guinea during this challenging time. The post read:
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the affected families and prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured.”
The Papua New Guinea government reported that over 2,000 people are feared to have been buried alive in a landslide that struck the South Pacific island nation. The disaster occurred early Friday morning while the village of Yambali was asleep when the side of a mountain collapsed. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate the path of the still-active landslide on Tuesday. Since Friday, relief teams have been gradually making their way to the hard-to-reach northern Enga region. However, officials indicated that the likelihood of finding survivors is minimal. Meanwhile, residents have been using shovels and their bare hands in the search for survivors.
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