In the aftermath of the latest volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea, India is delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to the people of Papua New Guinea.
As per the reports released on Thursday, the supplies include disaster relief and medical assistance for the individuals impacted by the volcanic eruption. An additional flight was introduced, a special charter to Port Moresby from India.
Mount Ulawun’s huge volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea caused enormous damage and disaster to the island nation. More than 26,000 people were evacuated from the area affected by the volcanic eruption.
“A special charter flight carrying relief supplies takes off for Port Moresby, according to the USD 1 million in relief assistance announced by India for the volcanic eruption that has affected the people of Papua New Guinea,” External Affairs Ministry official Arindam Bagchi said on X, formly Twitter.
What is the significance of this story?
Mount Ulawun is one of the most active volcanoes in the South Pacific nation, erupted on November 20.
The eruption hurled ash as high as 15 kilometers (50,000 feet) from the tallest volcano, forcing more than 26,000 people to flee and generating severe humanitarian needs.
Mount Ulawun has been active since the 1700s, and in 2019, it experienced a significant eruption that drove over 5,000 people to flee.
Discover more about India’s HADR supplies for Papua New Guinea.
India is delivering six tons of sanitary pads, basic medicines, quick antigen test kits, pregnancy test kits, surgical equipment, mosquito repellents, and infant meals, according to ANI.
In addition to this, 11 tons of disaster relief materials, such as tents, sleeping mats or bags, sanitary utilities or hygiene kits, ready to eat meals, and water storage, are included in the relief package.
India’s ongoing assistance to Papua New Guinea
This assistance is in the addition to the $1 million given by India to the island nation following the volcanic eruption on December 6. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed solidarity with its close friend as part of the Forum for India-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC).
It is also worth noting that India has regularly supported Papua New Guinea throughout the natural disaster emergencies such as the 2018 earthquake and the 2019 volcano eruption.
