Expressing Condolences
On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep sadness over the tragic landslide in Papua New Guinea. In a post on X, he wrote about the sorrow caused by the disaster and extended Bharat’s solidarity to the people and government of Papua New Guinea during this difficult time.
The catastrophic landslide occurred last Friday in the mountainous Enga region in northern Papua New Guinea. Initial reports suggested around 100 fatalities, but the numbers have since surged dramatically.
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Papua New Guinea following the recent landslide.
Our thoughts are with the Government and the people. India stands in solidarity with our friends at this difficult time. @TkatchenkoMP
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 27, 2024
The Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) initially estimated about 670 deaths. However, the latest figures from Papua New Guinea’s disaster agency suggest that more than 2000 people might have been buried alive.
Rescuers are facing significant challenges in finding survivors in this remote region. The landslide struck the village of Kaokalam, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, at around 3 am local time. The area affected by the landslide is massive, comparable to four football pitches.
Impact on Communities
The disaster has not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but has also caused major destruction to buildings and food gardens, severely impacting the region’s economic lifeline. Over 150 houses in the nearby village of Yambali were buried under debris. The main highway to the affected area has been completely blocked, further complicating rescue efforts.
The situation remains unstable, with the landslip continuing to shift slowly, posing ongoing dangers to both rescue teams and any potential survivors. Officials have described the area as posing an “extreme risk” because rocks continue to fall, and the ground is under constant pressure.
READ MORE: “Massive Papua New Guinea Landslide Buries 2000 People: Rescue Efforts Ongoing”
Papua New Guinea, home to around 10 million people, has a vast and rugged mountainous terrain. The lack of roads and infrastructure has made it even more difficult to access and provide aid to the affected areas.
The international community, including the United Nations, has been closely monitoring the situation. Humanitarian workers on the ground are struggling to cope with the scale of the disaster. Jaishankar’s message of support reflects the global solidarity with Papua New Guinea in the wake of this devastating event.
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