India has announced immediate relief assistance of $1 million to Papua New Guinea following a catastrophic landslide that claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and affirmed India's readiness to provide all possible support to the Pacific island nation during this difficult time.

"As a close friend and partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and in a gesture of solidarity with the friendly people of Papua New Guinea, the Government of India extends immediate relief assistance of US$ 1 million to support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts," the MEA said in a statement.

Thousands of residents were instructed to evacuate as a still-active landslide threatened parts of the northern Enga region of Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, after a mountain collapse.

Rescue teams in the Pacific nation have been cautiously entering the hard-to-reach area since Friday, although officials cautioned that the chances of finding survivors were slim.

Local residents have been using shovels and their hands to search for survivors.

"The landslide area is extremely unstable. We frequently hear large explosions from the mountain, and rocks and debris are still coming down," said Sandis Tsaka, chairperson of the Enga province disaster committee,in reports.

A state of emergency has been declared in the disaster zone and adjacent areas, affecting a population estimated between 4,500 to 8,000 people, although not all have been instructed to evacuate yet, Tsaka noted.

Military personnel have set up checkpoints and are assisting with the relocation of residents to evacuation centers.

Delays in the arrival of heavy equipment and aid have been reported due to the remote location, hazardous terrain, and tribal conflicts, necessitating military escorts for convoys transporting relief teams.

India's assistance underscores its commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea in its recovery efforts from this tragic event.

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