The United States of America has assured PNG of its support towards emergency and rescue efforts in the Porgera District of Enga Province, following the massive landslide that has claimed close to 200 people so far. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has welcomed this support and commitment by the United States government, following an official statement from US President John Biden who expressed his heartfelt condolences for the huge death losses. The devastating landslide occurred around 3am on Friday, May 24th, destroyed up to a hundred houses and homes, burying people under stones and rubble in Mulitaka village, about 40 km from Porgera Gold Mine. Enga Provincial Administrator, Sandis Tsaka says a Disaster Response team was dispatched to the site on Friday to conduct a rapid emergency assessment. The reported death toll was as of midday Friday, but it is anticipated that this could rise as the search and rescue continues. The tragic disaster comes days after the Mining Minister, State parties, landowners and stakeholders of the gold mine project launched the Community Development Agreement (CDA) process for negotiations, which will run for two to three weeks in Wabag. As families and communities of the impacted villages devastated by the landslip struggle with their loss in the Maip Mulitaka area, President Biden says he has directed his Administration to stay in close touch with its Papua New Guinean partners as they lead rescue and recovery efforts "at this dark hour". President Joe Biden in a statement reads: "We stand ready to assist." "Jill and I are heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by the landslide in Papua New Guinea." "Our prayers are with all the families impacted by this tragedy and all the first responders who are putting themselves in harm's way to help their fellow citizens.' US Ambassador, Her Excellency (H.E) Marie Yastishock, in a personal message on behalf of the US, expressed deepest and heartfelt condolences to the people of Enga and all of Papua New Guinea on the tragic landslides. "Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the victims affected by this tragedy." In response, Foreign Affairs Minister Tkatchenko expressed great gratitude and appreciation to President Biden, H.E Yastishock and the US Embassy, and the people of the United States for the words of heartfelt support, and commitment to action, for the affected villages. "We appreciate the US for its role as a world leader, in its support for others in the face of the varied global challenges, but we appreciate even more it's concern and commitment in our time of need - in our corner of the world." Minister Tkatchenko added that the Foreign Affairs Department will continue to assist coordination between the Papua New Guinea National Disaster Centre (NDC), IOM, and the US Embassy to ensure an efficient and effective assistance effort for the affected areas and people in Enga Province. President Biden in his statement stated that the US will continue to coordinate with Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and it's Quad partners to ensure the US is meeting its commitment to partner in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Indo-Pacific. "The United States stands with Papua New Guinea- our close partner and friend-today and always." H.E Yastishock also affirmed that the US are in close coordination with the NDC and the Department of Defense and will respond if requested.