India Sends Aid To Papua New Guinea After Massive Landslide Hits Nation

India to provide immediate relief assistance worth USD 1 million to Papua New Guinea in the wake of devastating landslide, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.

​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.

A state of emergency has been declared across the disaster zone and a neighbouring area, with a combined population of between 4,500 to 8,000, although not all have been ordered to evacuate yet, Tsaka said.

Military personnel have set up checkpoints and are helping move residents to evacuation centres, he said.

Heavy equipment and aid have been slow to arrive because of the remote location, treacherous terrain and tribal unrest in the area forcing the military to escort the convoys of relief teams.

More than 2,000 people were buried in the landslide which occurred early Friday, according to the government.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and conveyed India’s readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island country in its time of difficulty.

“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 the speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to offer all possible support and assistance,” PM Modi wrote on social media platform X.

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, India extends relief assistance of USD 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.

India has been supporting 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.