Following the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea that claimed the lives of over 650 individuals, India announced immediate relief assistance amounting to USD 1 million to the affected nation. Expressing solidarity with Papua New Guinea, which recently faced a massive landslide in its Enga Province resulting in extensive loss of life and property, India pledged its support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences and assured India’s willingness to provide all possible aid to the Pacific island nation during this challenging period. The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “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 USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.”
India has consistently stood by Papua New Guinea in times of calamity, including previous instances such as the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management are significant components of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), as announced by Prime Minister Modi in November 2019. The statement emphasized India’s commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), affirming its role as a responsible and steadfast responder.
The magnitude of the landslide is staggering, with over 2000 individuals feared buried under debris. Lusete Laso Mana, Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, described the devastation in a letter to the UN, highlighting the significant impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and the economy. Yambali village alone saw more than 150 houses engulfed by the landslide.
Authorities have flagged the area as posing an “extreme risk” due to ongoing rockfalls and heightened pressure on exposed soil, underscoring the urgent need for support and assistance in the region.