📷 Image Credits: Mint
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed his heartfelt condolences for the devastating landslide tragedy in Papua New Guinea and reiterated India’s readiness to provide all possible support and assistance to the affected nation. The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has reportedly buried over 2,000 people alive in the village of Yambali, amidst challenging search and rescue efforts due to the remote and unstable terrain.
The settlement affected by the landslide is situated in a remote and tense area within the interior of Papua New Guinea, complicating the ongoing efforts to locate survivors and provide relief. Enga province’s disaster committee chairperson, Sandis Tsaka, highlighted the ongoing challenges, stating that the landslide area remains unstable with rocks and debris continuing to fall.
A state of emergency has been declared across the disaster zone and a neighboring area, impacting a combined population of up to 8,000 individuals. Despite the challenges posed by the treacherous terrain and tribal unrest in the region, military personnel have established checkpoints and are assisting in relocating residents to evacuation centers.
The humanitarian response to the devastating landslide has faced delays in delivering aid and heavy equipment due to the remote location and difficult terrain. Furthermore, estimating the exact number of casualties has been a significant challenge, highlighting the obstacles faced by Papua New Guinea in conducting comprehensive censuses.
India’s offer of support comes at a critical time for Papua New Guinea as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event. The international community’s solidarity and assistance are crucial in ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the disaster. As the situation evolves, the global community, including India, stands ready to extend a helping hand to Papua New Guinea in their time of need.