Australia and New Zealand send around 2.3 million euros in aid to Papua New Guinea after the landslide

May 28. () –

The authorities of Australia and New Zealand announced this Tuesday the sending of some 2.3 million euros in aid to Papua New Guinea after the tragic landslide that has left hundreds of dead and thousands of people buried in the province of Enga, in the center of the country.

The Australian Government has reported an initial batch of humanitarian aid valued at 2.5 million Australian dollars (about 1.5 million euros), which will be used to support emergency services in the search and rescue of survivors.

In response to the request of the Government of Papua New Guinea, Australia will also send technical experts to the area to provide assistance in managing this type of natural disaster. Likewise, the country plans to provide emergency aid to cover the immediate needs of local communities after the landslide, according to the Ministry of Defense in a statement.

Canberra has expressed its support to the people and Government of Papua New Guinea in “these tragic times.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the aid package “will address the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide.” “We are willing to consider additional support,” the text states.

For its part, the Government of New Zealand has announced an aid package of 1.5 million New Zealand dollars (about 849,000 euros) to deal with the “devastating” incident, as indicated by the Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, together with the Minister of Defense, Judith Collins.

“Since learning of Friday’s horrendous landslide, New Zealand has been determined to play our part in Papua New Guinea’s response,” Peters said.

“Papua New Guinea has expressed its appreciation for our offer and we are working with the country’s authorities to confirm priorities and offer better support to those most in need,” he said.