Labor has been criticized for pledging just $2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea after a landslide buried up to 2,000 people, despite proposing to shell out more than $600 million for a new football team. in the country.
A massive landslide hit the village of Yambali in the north of the country in the early hours of Friday while most villagers were sleeping.
More than 150 homes were buried under rubble nearly two stories high and the United Nations estimates that around 675 died.
But PNG’s disaster agency estimated in a letter to the UN that “more than 2,000 people” could be buried alive under the rubble.
Rescuers, who have been using shovels and even their bare hands to desperately dig into the earth, told local media they could hear screams from below.
The Australian government announced late Monday that it would provide $2.5 million in humanitarian aid following the disaster.
A massive landslide hit the village of Yambali in the north of the country in the early hours of Friday while most villagers were sleeping.
More than 150 homes were buried under rubble almost two stories high and the United Nations estimates that around 675 died.
“All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guinea at this very difficult time,” said Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“The Australian Government will initially provide $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support PNG’s response to the landslide in Enga Province.”
But the announcement was met with widespread criticism online, with many questioning the paltry figure.
“Australia has given a damn about PNG for 40 years and hasn’t done it,” wrote former Australian Federal Police officer Brad Turner, who served in PNG.
“Making a silly change now for PR and zero infrastructure and turning a blind eye to human rights violations by the PNG government since 1979 does not make Australia a good neighbor.”
Others compared the $2.5 million aid figure to the government’s proposed $600 million investment to fund an 18th NRL team in PNG.
Anthony Albanese has declared his support for the plans, which are expected to cost the federal government $60 million a year for at least a decade.
“I am very supportive of the 18th NRL team in PNG,” the premier said last year.
Labor has been criticized for promising just $2.5 million in humanitarian aid after the landslide buried up to 2,000 people, despite proposing to shell out more than $600 million for a new football team in the country ( in the photo).
“This marks a turning point for the relationship with Papua New Guinea.”
The alleged double standard was highlighted by an X user who simply wrote: ‘$2.5 million for humanitarian aid. 600 million dollars for a soccer team. Correct.’
Daily Mail Australia has approached the Department of Defense for comment.
The government has indicated it would consider providing additional support.
“Today’s package will help meet the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide, and we are willing to consider additional support,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
Rescuers, who have been using shovels and even their bare hands to desperately dig into the earth, told local media they could hear screams from below.
In some cases, rescuers have even used sticks to try to dig for possible survivors.
The $2.5 million will help provide shelter, hygiene kits and care to women and children affected by the disaster.
As part of the support package, Australian technical experts will be sent to the region to assist with recovery and geological hazard assessments.
Relief efforts are hampered by the town’s remote and mountainous location.
In some cases, rescuers have used sticks to try to dig for possible survivors.
‘At this moment, more than 300 lives are buried there. The boys are fighting,” local lawyer Andrew Ruing told the ABC.
‘They’re not using bulldozers or anything… they’re trying to remove big rocks with sticks. Therefore we are asking for help from anyone who can help…we really need help.’