MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
Today I announce that Australia will provide a further $1 million in humanitarian assistance to Papua New Guinea following the damage caused by Cyclone Guba.
This brings total humanitarian funding through AusAID for the relief effort to $2 million.
This funding will provide additional supplies of food, support ongoing logistics and coordination work, and help with transport, crop rehabilitation and infrastructure restoration.
Humanitarian supplies in the form of shelter, generators, water and sanitation assistance, medicine and other essential health care items continue to be distributed to communities cut off by the flooding.
Approximately 520 tonnes of supplies have been delivered to the Province by Australian Defence Force aircraft and landing craft. Over 220 tonnes of rice has been airlifted to the provincial capital, Popondetta and distributed to the remote regions.
Six AusAID disaster management experts are now working with the National Disaster Centre to assist the PNG Government's logistics response and a further six are assisting PNG's Emergency Controller in Popondetta.
A detailed medical assessment has concluded and the first medical supplies were delivered to clinics in Kokoda and Popondetta last week. Health and hygiene kits have been distributed to around 200 families in and around Popondetta.
As the response moves into the recovery phase, Australia is examining the emerging needs of the affected communities and assessing ongoing food needs and requirements for seeds and tools for crop rehabilitation.
Media Contact:
Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590