"On May 24 (2024), the Enga province of Papua New Guinea was hit by a devastating landslide. Afghanistan was also hit by an earthquake in October 2023, resulting in many casualties and refugees," he noted while speaking at the aid send-off ceremony.
According to him, climate change and global warming have caused weather anomalies, triggering many disasters. Such disasters are not only occurring in Indonesia, but also in various parts of the world.
Widodo said that Papua New Guinea's geographic proximity is one reason for the humanitarian aid delivery.
"Papua New Guinea is our close neighbor, so when a disaster occurs we also have to help, and also Afghanistan," he added.
The aid released to Papua New Guinea comprised medicines, additional food, and hygiene kits, with a total worth of Rp18 billion (US$1.07 million). Meanwhile, the aid to Afghanistan comprised 10 items worth Rp17.5 billion (US$1.04 million).
The head of state expressed the hope that the humanitarian assistance would lighten the burden on the victims of natural disasters in Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan and enable them to get back on their feet.
He also urged the delegation delivering the humanitarian aid to carry out their mandate properly and maintain safety while carrying out their duty and returning to their homeland.
From Jakarta, the humanitarian aid from the Indonesian government will be sent to Port Moresby International Airport to be further distributed by the government of Papua New Guinea.
The government has confirmed that the number of landslide victims in Enga province, Papua New Guinea, has currently reached at least 670, with the number of refugees pegged at 1,250.
Additionally, according to the data from the Directorate of South and Central Asia of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the earthquake in Herat of Afghanistan affected 275,000 people with 10,000 houses collapsed and 225,000 heavily damaged. Meanwhile, a total of 1,480 people died and 1,950 people were injured due to the quake.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
