Anwar offers help to Papua New Guinea after massive landslide

Anwar offers help to Papua New Guinea after massive landslide

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia stands ready to provide any assistance to the island nation.

papua
The landslide hit Kaokalam Village in Enga province, about 600km north-west of the nation’s capital Port Moresby at around 3am on Friday, with hundreds of people feared to have been killed. (AP pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The Malaysian government has offered to provide assistance to Papua New Guinea, where a massive landslide occurred yesterday.

Taking to Facebook, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia stood with the people of the island nation over the tragedy which killed over 100 people, Bernama reported.

“My thoughts are with the people of Papua New Guinea following the devastating landslide that has claimed over a hundred lives in Enga province.

“Malaysia stands ready to provide assistance to our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

However, Anwar admitted that the humanitarian response to the tragedy would be challenging, as the landslide occurred in a remote, mountainous and rugged region.

A landslide hit Kaokalam Village in Enga province, about 600km north-west of the nation’s capital Port Moresby at around 3am on Friday, with hundreds of people feared to have been killed.

Papua New Guinea authorities have not confirmed the death toll.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra issued a statement saying that no Malaysians have been reported to be involved or affected by the incident.

“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, 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].

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