Labor has been slammed 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 over $600million on a new footy team in the country.
A massive landslide crashed through Yambali village in the country’s north in the early hours of Friday while most of the villagers slept.
More than 150 houses were buried beneath debris almost two stories high and the United Nations estimates that around 675 were killed.
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 dig desperately at the earth, told local media they could hear screams from below.
The Australian government announced on Monday night it would provide $2.5 million in humanitarian aid in the wake of the disaster.
A massive landslide crashed through Yambali village in the country’s north in the early hours of Friday while most of the villagers slept
More than 150 houses were buried beneath debris almost two stories high and the United Nations estimates that around 675 were killed
‘All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guinea at this very difficult time,’ Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
‘The Australian Government will provide an initial $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 had 40 years to give a dammed about PNG & hasn’t,’ wrote ex-Australian Federal Police agent Brad Turner, who served in PNG.
‘Throwing chump change in now for PR and zero Infrastructure and turning a blind eye to Human rights violations by the PNG Govt since 1979 does not make Australia a good neighbour.’
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 an 18th NRL team in PNG,’ the prime minister said last year.
Labor has been slammed for pledging just $2.5 million in humanitarian aid after the landslide buried up to 2,000 people – despite proposing to shell out over $600million on a new footy team in the country (pictured)
‘This is a game changer for the relationship with Papua New Guinea.’
The supposed double standards were highlighted by one X user who simply wrote: ‘$2.5 million for humanitarian aid. $600 million for a footy team. Righto.’
Daily Mail Australia approached the Department of Defence for comment.
The government has indicated it would consider providing additional support.
‘Today’s package will assist the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide, and we stand ready to consider additional support,’ Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
Rescuers, who have been using shovels and even their bare hands to dig desperately at the earth, told local media they could hear screams from below
In some cases, rescuers have even been using sticks to try and dig for potential survivors
The $2.5 million will help provide shelter, hygiene kits and care for women and children affected by the disaster.
As part of the support packaged, Australian technical experts will be sent to the region to assist with the recovery and geohazard assessments.
The relief effort is hampered by the village’s remote, mountainous location.
In some cases, rescuers have been using sticks to try and dig for potential survivors.
‘As we speak, 300 plus lives are buried there. The boys are struggling,’Local lawyer Andrew Ruing told the ABC.
‘They are not using bulldozers or anything … they are trying to remove big rocks with sticks. Therefore we are asking anybody who can help… we really need assistance.’