India has dispatched approximately 19 tons of relief supplies to Papua New Guinea following devastating landslides that struck the island nation, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage. The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies, part of India’s pledged USD 1 million assistance, were airlifted today, including food, temporary shelters, and medicines.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “India-Papua New Guinea standing together in times of difficulty. In the wake of devastating landslide in Enga province of Papua New Guinea, had announced immediate assistance of USD 1 million to our close FIPIC partner. Pursuant to the announcement, a flight carrying approx 19 tons of HADR supplies departed for today.”
Jaiswal further detailed the aid, stating, “The aid comprises 13 tons of disaster relief material including temporary shelter, water tanks, hygiene kits, meals ready to eat; and 6 tons of emergency use medicine, medical equipment including dengue and malaria diagnostic kits, baby food etc.”
India’s solidarity with Papua New Guinea was expressed earlier on May 28, when immediate relief assistance worth USD 1 million was announced after a massive landslide hit the Enga Province, causing significant loss of life and destruction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep condolences and reiterated India’s readiness to extend all possible support to the Pacific island country.
This assistance aligns with India’s commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), a key aspect of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The landslide in the Enga region claimed over 670 lives, with hundreds more feared buried under debris, underscoring the urgent need for international aid and support.
