MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Stephen Smith MP Minister for Foreign Affairs and Joel Fitzgibbon MP Minister for Defence
Australia will provide up to $1 million to assist Papua New Guineans adversely affected by severe sea swells this week.
Minister Stephen Smith advised Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sam Abal, of this funding in Fiji last night.
This support will include the provision of relief supplies and funding for NGOs already responding to this disaster.
An Australian Defence Force C-130 will leave this weekend carrying water containers, tarpaulins and water purification tablets which will be distributed in the worst hit areas.
The plane will fly to Kavieng (New Ireland province) and Lorengau (Manus province) where the supplies will be passed on to PNG officials and Non-Government Organisations for distribution to those in greatest need.
AusAID staff in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will work closely with the PNG National Disaster Committee to coordinate Australia's contribution with PNG's emergency response. Liaison officers will also be deployed to New Ireland and Manus provinces to ensure all possible assistance is provided.
Reports suggest 50,000 people have been affected by this disaster and several hundred houses have been washed away when severe sea swells saw water levels rise alarmingly in several PNG provinces.
At this stage there have been no deaths confirmed.
The Australian Government will await further assessment of needs to determine whether any additional assistance may be required.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen on 0488 244901
Mr Fitzgibbon's Office: Jack Smith on 0408 116 423