India has announced a relief aid package worth USD 1 million for Papua New Guinea following a devastating landslide that claimed the lives of over 650 people. The landslide occurred in the Enga Province, causing massive destruction and burying hundreds of people.
India’s aid comes as an expression of solidarity with Papua New Guinea, which has been severely impacted by this natural disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences and reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing all possible support to the Pacific island nation during this difficult time.
In a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, India emphasised its close friendship and partnership with Papua New Guinea through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). The statement highlighted India's readiness to assist in the relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
India’s assistance to Papua New Guinea is part of its broader commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.
This commitment was outlined in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Modi in 2019, which includes Disaster Risk Reduction and Management as a key pillar. India has previously provided aid to Papua New Guinea during other natural disasters, such as the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruptions in 2019 and 2023.
The landslide in Papua New Guinea has had a catastrophic impact, with around 2000 people feared buried. Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, Lusete Laso Mana, reported that the disaster not only resulted in significant loss of life but also caused extensive damage to buildings and food gardens, severely affecting the country’s economic lifeline.
Over 150 houses in Yambali village were buried under debris, and the area remains at extreme risk due to ongoing rock falls and soil instability.
India’s relief aid aims to support the immediate needs of the affected communities and contribute to the longer-term recovery and rebuilding process. The aid package underscores India’s role as a responsible and responsive partner in the region, committed to providing timely humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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