Following the tragic landslides in Enga, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide 2 million Kina ($500,000 USD) for emergency humanitarian assistance. USAID’s relief efforts will include logistics support, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance. USAID will leverage existing partnerships with PNG’s National Disaster Centre and Provincial Disaster Centres to ensure that relief meets the needs of the affected communities.
In a May 24 statement, U.S. President Joe Biden pledged United States support to the people and government of PNG and shared his personal condolences, “Jill and I are heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by the landslide in Papua New Guinea.”
Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock emphasized the U.S. commitment, “the United States is working with our Papua New Guinean partners as they lead rescue and recovery efforts. This assistance will help meet the immediate needs of the people of Enga province as they begin rebuilding their lives.”
USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance disaster response experts are working with the government, humanitarian partners, and donors and to ensure that relief efforts are coordinated and tailored to the needs of communities affected by the landslide.
USAID partners with Papua New Guinea to support electrification, promote good governance, increase resilience to climate change, protect biodiversity, strengthen health systems, and prepare for and respond to disasters.