MALAYSIA is prepared to assist Papua New Guinea, which was hit by a massive landslide yesterday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“My thoughts are with the people of Papua New Guinea who were devastated by the massive landslide that has claimed over a hundred lives in Enga province.
“Malaysia is ready to assist our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea,” he said on Facebook today.
Anwar said the humanitarian response to the tragedy would be challenging, as the landslide occurred in a remote, mountainous and rugged region.
It was reported that the landslide hit Kaokalam Village in Enga province, which is about 600km northwest of the nation’s capital Port Moresby at around 3am yesterday, with hundreds of people feared to have been killed.
However, authorities have not confirmed the death toll.
Dozens of homes were levelled by the landslide, which buried families alive.
Reuters reported that more than 50 homes, many with people still asleep inside, were buried when the landslide hit Kaokalam village around 3 am.
Wisma Putra today said that no Malaysians were involved or affected by the incident.
Wisma Putra also extended its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims and families affected by the landslide, as well as to the people and government of Papua New Guinea. – May 25, 2024
