PNG aid on the way, more considered as death toll rises
Australia will send technical experts and $2.5 million in initial aid to Papua New Guinea as the death toll continues to rise following a catastrophic landslide that destroyed a village.
PNG's National Disaster Centre said more than 2000 people had been buried alive by Friday's landslide in remote Enga province.
Under the Australian aid package experts will provide incident management assistance, support geo-hazard assessments and help early recovery efforts, with the Australian Defence Force also assisting.
"As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support," Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Monday.
Treacherous terrain in the region and difficulty getting in aid has hampered rescue efforts, raising fears few survivors will be found.
Australia is ready to consider additional support beyond Monday's announcement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
"(This) package will assist the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide," she said.
The head of the International Organisation for Migration in PNG Serhan Aktoprak said the conditions on the ground were hampering rescue and aid efforts.
Rocks were still falling from the mountain, soil was cracking and water was flowing under the debris.
"We're just hoping that in the remaining short window of time that we have, we can at least contribute to the relief efforts in saving some more lives," Mr Aktoprak said.
"But unfortunately, (time) is not on our side."
Mr Marles earlier said Australia's close ties with PNG meant it would be on hand to deliver support where it was needed.
"Obviously, we are able to bring to bear the kinds of support that we would in respect of any natural disaster which occurs within our own country," he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.
"PNG is a close neighbour, is a country with whom we have the closest of relationships, and we have offered whatever support we can provide in terms of dealing with this disaster.
"We'll continue to work with the Papua New Guinean officials as to how best that can be done."
A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply saddened" by the reported loss of hundreds of lives.
"He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of Papua New Guinea," the spokesperson said.
"The United Nations and its partners are supporting the government's response efforts.
"The Secretary-General underscores that the United Nations stands ready to offer additional assistance at this challenging time."
