MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide up to $1 million in humanitarian assistance following extensive flooding to Oro Province (PNG) as a result of Cyclone Guba.
The PNG Government estimates that 150,000 people have been affected by the flooding which has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, and has severely affected clean water supply in the provinces.
Two Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft carrying AusAID humanitarian stores and two Caribou transport aircraft will depart for PNG shortly. Another Caribou and three Army Blackhawk helicopters will join the effort tomorrow to aid the internal relief effort. A Navy heavy landing craft (LCH) has been placed on short notice to sail from Cairns if required by the PNG Government.
Humanitarian supplies will include:
- water purification tablets and water containers;
- emergency shelter;
- blankets; and,
- generators.
AusAID is organising today an assessment mission by helicopter to report on damage to infrastructure and priority relief needs.
AusAID disaster management and health experts are on the ground in Port Moresby and will be deployed into the Province tomorrow to coordinate and support relief efforts.
The PNG Government has committed 50 million Kina (approximately AUD$20 million) to the disaster response.
Australia will continue to closely monitor emergency needs across the affected areas and will coordinate our efforts with PNG disaster response agencies and other international donors and agencies.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole 02 6277 7500