India announced an immediate assistance of USD 1 million following a devastating landslide in May 2024
A flight carrying about 19 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief left India on Thursday (June 13, 2024), headed for Papua New Guinea which was hit by a devastating landslide a few weeks ago. The consignment includes temporary shelter, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, and medical equipment.
 
This is part of the USD 1 million announced by India as immediate assistance after the devastating landslide last month. 
 
"Standing together in times of difficulty. In the wake of devastating landslide in Enga province of Papua New Guinea, India 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 Papua New Guinea today," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, formerly Twitter. 
 
“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,” Jaiswal added. 

A catastrophic landslide struck Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province on May 24, 2024, burying hundreds of people and causing significant destruction and loss of life. 
 
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.
 
India announced an immediate assistance of USD 1 million on May 28, 2024, 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 amount is meant to support relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
 
"India is committed to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and continues to be a responsible and steadfast responder," the MEA said. 
 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is an important pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.
 
In December 2023, India announced USD 1 million immediate relief assistance to Papua New Guinea in the wake of a natural disaster in the country. A major volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun in Papua New Guinea on November 20, 2023 forced the evacuation of more than 26,000 people and created urgent humanitarian needs.
 
Even earlier, India has firmly stood by Papua New Guinea during times of crisis and devastation caused by natural disasters, as in the wake of the earthquake in 2018 and volcanic eruption in 2019.