MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
It is now clear that the drought in Papua New Guinea has critically affected
large numbers of people. Australia has offered to transport food to the worst
affected areas. This offer of assistance has been accepted today by the
Government of Papua New Guinea.
Like many in Australia I am concerned to learn that 500 000 people are facing
immediate hardship from the country's widespread frosts and drought.
Over the last month Australian assessment team experts, assisted by their PNG
counterparts, have been using a five point scale to determine the effect of the
drought. The scale ranges from category 1 (unusually dry but no major food
supply, drinking water or health problems) to category 5 (extreme situation, no
food available at all, water very short, many people ill, small children and old
people dying).
Australia has offered to supply urgent, short term assistance to those
category 5 areas which can only be reached by air transport. The flights will
carry high priority food aid, such as rice and flour, to the areas at greatest
risk. I expect these flights to commence early next week.
It now seems apparent that, in view of the extent of the problem, a
substantial program of assistance will be required to ensure an effective relief
operation. I have assured the Government of PNG of Australia's willingness to
assist.
Media contact: Innes Willox (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
/ 0411 414 695 Mark Giffard (AusAID) 02 6206 4966