New Delhi: In a display of solidarity during challenging times, India dispatched a 19-tonne consignment of humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) supplies to the Enga province of Papua New Guinea on Thursday. This gesture was in response to a devastating landslide that resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives.
The aid package comprised food, temporary housing, and medical supplies. Following the disaster last month, India pledged assistance worth USD 10 lakh to Papua New Guinea, an island nation, a member of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote in a post on X, “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.”
“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,” he added.
The aid comprises 13 tons of disaster relief material including temporary shelter, water tanks, hygiene kits, meals ready to eat; & 6 tons of emergency use medicine, medical equipment including dengue and malaria diagnostic kits, baby food etc.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 13, 2024
India has always stood by Papua New Guinea amidst adversities and natural calamities, including the 2018 earthquake and the volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023. This aid highlights India’s dedication to backing its partners in the Pacific islands through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), fostering collaboration, and fortifying ties with countries in the Pacific region.
The National Disaster Centre of Papua New Guinea expressed concerns that the landslide may have buried as many as 2,000 individuals. Media reports indicated that the catastrophe left over 150 residences in the Yambali village engulfed in rubble.
