News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh/27th May 2024
In response to the catastrophic landslide in Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province, which claimed over 650 lives, India has stepped forward to provide immediate relief assistance. The Indian government has announced a $1 million aid package to support the island nation’s recovery efforts. This tragic event, occurring on May 24, has caused widespread devastation, burying over 2,000 people and leading to significant loss of life and property.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement emphasizing India’s solidarity with Papua New Guinea. “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,” the statement read.
India’s commitment to Papua New Guinea during times of adversity has been consistent. This includes previous support during the earthquake in 2018 and the volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. Disaster risk reduction and management is a crucial component of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019. The initiative underscores India’s dedication to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences and reaffirmed India’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to Papua New Guinea during this challenging time. “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. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance,” Modi stated in a post on X.
The scale of the disaster is staggering, with around 2,000 people feared buried alive by the landslide. LuseteLaso Mana, acting director of the national disaster center, reported extensive damage to buildings and food gardens, severely impacting the country’s economic lifeline. In Yambali village alone, over 150 houses were buried under debris, with the area remaining at “extreme risk” due to ongoing rockfalls and soil pressure.
India’s prompt response reflects its commitment to international solidarity and support in times of need. The $1 million aid package will facilitate immediate relief operations, including the provision of essential supplies, medical aid, and support for displaced individuals. Additionally, India’s involvement in long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts will help Papua New Guinea rebuild its communities and infrastructure.
The landslide in Papua New Guinea serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters. It underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and international cooperation in mitigating the effects of such events. As the global community responds to this tragedy, the focus must remain on supporting the affected communities and ensuring their swift recovery.
India’s role in providing humanitarian assistance highlights the country’s broader commitment to global cooperation and disaster management. By leveraging its expertise and resources, India can play a pivotal role in enhancing regional and international disaster response capabilities. This commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief aligns with India’s vision of a resilient and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.
In conclusion, the tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea has elicited a strong and compassionate response from India. The $1 million aid package is a testament to India’s dedication to supporting its neighbors and partners in times of crisis. As relief efforts continue, the focus will be on providing immediate assistance and facilitating long-term recovery and resilience. The global community’s collective efforts will be crucial in helping Papua New Guinea overcome this disaster and rebuild stronger and safer communities.
