Pakistan says saddened by massive landslides in PNG

May 29, 2024

By Mashal Khan

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan extended condolances over massive landslies that killed over 2,000 people in Papua New Guinea.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the people and government of Pakistan are deeply saddened by the widespread death and destruction caused by a massive landslide in Enga province in Papua New Guinea.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies over the tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We pray for early recovery of those who are missing and stand with the people and government of Papua New Guinea in this hour of national tragedy," it said.

According to Anadolu Agency, more than 2,000 people are feared dead in a landslide in Papua New Guinea, citing the UN International Organization for Migration.

The landslide occurred at around 3:00 a.m. (1700 GMT) local time on Monday, burying homes, infrastructure and farmland under up to eight meters of soil and debris, according to IOM. 

Citing provincial authorities, it said that over 7,840 people have been affected by the disaster so far, including those confirmed dead or missing and 1,650 displaced people.