Contact Us 
Subscribe Us
This is aimed at supporting the ongoing relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in the affected region
In a swift and compassionate response to the catastrophic landslide that struck Enga Province, Papua New Guinea on May 24, 2024, India announced immediate relief assistance worth USD 1 million on Tuesday (May 28, 2024). The landslide, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, has buried hundreds of people, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences and reiterated India’s readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island nation in its time of dire need. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, "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."
The landslide, one of the deadliest in recent history, has devastated the village of Yambali, located in a remote and restive area in the interior of Papua New Guinea. According to the government of Papua New Guinea, more than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive when the side of a mountain gave way. The remote location, along with the treacherous terrain and ongoing tribal unrest, has significantly hampered search and rescue operations.
In response to the crisis, the Papua New Guinea government has declared a state of emergency across the disaster zone and a neighboring area, with a combined population of between 4,500 to 8,000 people. Military personnel have been deployed to set up checkpoints and assist in moving residents to evacuation centers. However, heavy equipment and aid have been slow to arrive due to the challenging conditions.
India’s assistance, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), comes as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, under the framework of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
This immediate relief is aimed at supporting the ongoing relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in the affected region. India has firmly stood by 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, the MEA stated.
As an important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Modi in November 2019, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management remains a key focus. "India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder," the MEA said.
The landslide has highlighted the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea in conducting comprehensive population counts and managing disaster response in its mountainous and remote regions. The fluctuation in the estimated death toll reflects the difficulties in obtaining accurate data. The most recent credible census dates back to 2000, and the 2022 voter roll excludes individuals under 18, complicating population estimates.
In light of these challenges, international support is crucial. The Indian government’s quick response exemplifies the strong bilateral relations and the spirit of cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea. The relief assistance is expected to provide much-needed resources for immediate rescue operations and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
As the search for survivors continues amid the unstable conditions, the resilience and solidarity of the international community stand as a beacon of hope for the affected communities. The immediate focus remains on rescuing those trapped under the debris, providing medical aid to the injured, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the displaced populations.
India’s timely assistance and the ongoing efforts of the Papua New Guinea government and international partners demonstrate a collective commitment to overcoming this tragedy and rebuilding the lives and communities devastated by the landslide. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with concerted efforts and unwavering support, Papua New Guinea can look forward to a brighter, more resilient future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences and reiterated India’s readiness to extend all possible support and assistance to the Pacific island nation in its time of dire need. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, "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."
The landslide, one of the deadliest in recent history, has devastated the village of Yambali, located in a remote and restive area in the interior of Papua New Guinea. According to the government of Papua New Guinea, more than 2,000 people are believed to have been buried alive when the side of a mountain gave way. The remote location, along with the treacherous terrain and ongoing tribal unrest, has significantly hampered search and rescue operations.
In response to the crisis, the Papua New Guinea government has declared a state of emergency across the disaster zone and a neighboring area, with a combined population of between 4,500 to 8,000 people. Military personnel have been deployed to set up checkpoints and assist in moving residents to evacuation centers. However, heavy equipment and aid have been slow to arrive due to the challenging conditions.
India’s assistance, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), comes as a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, under the framework of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
This immediate relief is aimed at supporting the ongoing relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in the affected region. India has firmly stood by 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, the MEA stated.
As an important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), announced by Prime Minister Modi in November 2019, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management remains a key focus. "India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder," the MEA said.
The landslide has highlighted the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea in conducting comprehensive population counts and managing disaster response in its mountainous and remote regions. The fluctuation in the estimated death toll reflects the difficulties in obtaining accurate data. The most recent credible census dates back to 2000, and the 2022 voter roll excludes individuals under 18, complicating population estimates.
In light of these challenges, international support is crucial. The Indian government’s quick response exemplifies the strong bilateral relations and the spirit of cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea. The relief assistance is expected to provide much-needed resources for immediate rescue operations and long-term rehabilitation efforts.
As the search for survivors continues amid the unstable conditions, the resilience and solidarity of the international community stand as a beacon of hope for the affected communities. The immediate focus remains on rescuing those trapped under the debris, providing medical aid to the injured, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the displaced populations.
India’s timely assistance and the ongoing efforts of the Papua New Guinea government and international partners demonstrate a collective commitment to overcoming this tragedy and rebuilding the lives and communities devastated by the landslide. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with concerted efforts and unwavering support, Papua New Guinea can look forward to a brighter, more resilient future.
Contact Us 
Subscribe 
News Letter 
