Australia to provide $2.5 million in aid to Papua New Guinea for landslide disaster
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated, “As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support.”
Time is running out to find survivors of a massive landslide that buried many hundreds of people in a remote Papua New Guinea village. Australia is preparing a $2.5 million (US$1.67 million) aid package to assist in this tragic situation.
PNG’s National Disaster Centre reported that more than 2,000 people had been buried alive by the landslide in remote Enga province on May 24.
Australia will send technical experts and $2.5 million in initial aid to PNG as the death toll continues to rise following the catastrophic landslide. Experts under the Australian aid package will provide incident management assistance, support geo-hazard assessments, and help with early recovery efforts. The Australian Defence Force will also be lending its assistance.
Treacherous terrain in the region and challenges in getting aid to the affected area have hindered rescue efforts, leading to concerns that few survivors will be found.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong mentioned that Australia is willing to consider further support beyond the recent announcement made on Monday. She affirmed, “(This) package will assist the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide.”
Serhan Aktoprak, the head of the International Organisation for Migration in PNG, highlighted the challenging conditions on the ground that are making rescue and aid operations difficult. They are racing against time to contribute to relief efforts and save more lives amidst falling rocks, cracking soil, and flowing water under the debris.
Mr. Marles assured that Australia will collaborate with PNG officials to determine the best way to deliver aid. Additionally, a spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the loss of hundreds of lives and extended condolences to the affected families and solidarity with the people and government of Papua New Guinea. The United Nations and its partners are supporting the government’s response efforts.
