India has pledged $1 million in immediate relief aid to Papua New Guinea following a severe landslide that struck the Pacific Island nation last week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered his condolences and affirmed India’s commitment to providing any necessary support and assistance.
“As a steadfast friend and partner through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and in a show of solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India is offering an immediate relief assistance of USD 1 million to aid in relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a release on Tuesday.
Appealing for global assistance, a Papua New Guinea government representative informed the United Nations on Sunday that over 2,000 individuals are thought to have been entombed by the landslide, according to the Associated Press. By Monday, only five bodies had been found, the report cited, referencing local officials’ data.
The MEA statement affirmed India’s dedication to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), emphasizing its ongoing role as a reliable and consistent aid provider.
“India has consistently supported Papua New Guinea during challenging times, such as after the earthquake in 2018 and the volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023,” the statement noted. “A crucial element of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2019, focuses on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.”
The landslide at Mount Mungalo occurred in the highlands of Enga province, located in the northern region of Papua New Guinea. Rescue efforts have been significantly hindered by difficult conditions, such as the remote location of the impacted village, according to an AP report. Officials have remarked that the chances of finding survivors are low nearly four days post-landslide, highlighting that survivors are reluctant to use heavy machinery to avoid disturbing the bodies of their relatives.
According to local residents, a significant road was struck by a landslide, raising concerns about the possible economic consequences of the disaster. “This road is our lifeline, our connection to the outside world for trade and supplies, and now it’s gone,” Oscar Fredrick, a resident, mentioned in a report by The Guardian.
