JAKARTA: President Joko Widodo on Monday (July 8) sent off humanitarian aid for landslide victims in Papua New Guinea and quake- and flood-affected people in Afghanistan from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Operations Base, reported Indonesian News Agency (Antara).
"On May 24 (2024), the Enga province of Papua New Guinea was hit by a devastating landslide. Afghanistan was hit by an earthquake in October 2023, resulting in many casualties and refugees," Widodo said 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 Papua New Guinea's geographic proximity is one reason for the aid delivery.
"Papua New Guinea is our close neighbour. So, when a disaster occurs, we have to help, and also Afghanistan," he added.
The aid released to Papua New Guinea comprised medicines, 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 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 duties and returning to their homeland.
From Jakarta, the humanitarian aid 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 has currently reached at least 670, with the number of refugees pegged at 1,250.
Meanwhile, the death toll from heavy rains and flooding in Afghanistan has reached 400, according to the country's authorities.
At least 18 victims have died due to flooding in Faryab province on the border of Turkmenistan with Afghanistan. - Bernama-Antara
