In the wake of a devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea, India has announced immediate relief assistance worth US$ 1 million. With today’s announcement of US $1 million, in the last six-month India has now committed US $2 million to Papua New Guinea. Earlier, India offered assistance to deal with the Volcanic eruption of last year, and the recent landslides in which more than 2000 people were reported to be buried alive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day extended condolences over Papua New Guinea landslides and conveyed India’s readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific Island country in its time of difficulty.
Ministry of External Affairs issues statement:
In an official statement issued by MEA, it says “As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) and as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, Government of India extends an immediate relief assistance of US$ 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.”
Adding, “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.”
An important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019, is Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder.
A massive landslide occurred on 24 May 2024 in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea which buried hundreds of people and caused major destruction and loss of life.
Australia too has announced support of Aus $2.5 million. According to information in the public domain, the Australian Government has announced that it will provide an initial Aus $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support PNG’s response to the landslide in Enga Province.
