KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is ready to provide assistance to the people of Papua New Guinea following a deadly landslide in a remote village on the island.
The tragedy has resulted in hundreds of fatalities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this in a Facebook post this morning after expressing sympathy.
“Taking place in a remote, mountainous, and rugged region in the early hours of Friday morning, the humanitarian response to this tragedy will be especially challenging.
“My thoughts are with the people of Papua New Guinea following the devastating landslide that has claimed over a hundred lives in Enga province,” his post read.
A massive landslide hit a remote highland area of Enga province in northern Papua New Guinea yesterday morning, Reuters reported.
The report also said rescue teams began arriving at the site today, helping villagers search for the scores of people feared dead under the towering mounds of rubble and mud.
Dozens of homes were levelled by the landslide, burying families alive.
More than 50 homes, many with people still asleep inside, were buried when the landslide hit Kaokalam village around 3am.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra in a statement said no Malaysians were reported to be involved or affected by the landslide.
It said the Malaysian High Commission in Port Moresby is closely monitoring a landslide incident in the Porgera-Paiela district and actively coordinating efforts with local authorities to obtain further information.
“Malaysia extends 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.
“Malaysians in the nearby areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by the local authorities,” the statement read.
Wisma Putra said Malaysians requiring consular assistance can contact the High Commission of Malaysia in Port Moresby at Lot 16, Section 531, Rosewood Executive Residence, Savannah Heights, PO Box 1400, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The high commission can be reached by telephone at +675-325 1506 / +675-325 2076 and +675-7178 8414 (for emergencies) and by email at [email protected]. – May 25, 2024