4 February 2005
Australia is providing nearly $300,000 in additional funding to ease the suffering of those forced to flee the Manam Island volcano eruptions off the north coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The money will be used to help make life easier in the care centres on the mainland where up to 9,000 people are now living after fleeing their island home.
Manam Island Volcano
Photo: Jim Moore, CARE Australia
The remaining 2,000 inhabitants are being helped by the PNG Government to evacuate to the mainland
The funding provided by the Australian Government, through AusAID, will be directed through non-government aid organisations currently working in PNG.
World Vision will receive $213,719 to provide safe water, toilets and to promote hygiene in the care centres. The remaining $85,000 will go to CARE Australia to help the administration of the Provincial Disaster Office which is managing the relief operation.
This latest assistance follows nearly $70,000 provided by the Australian Government in December when the eruptions first forced the islanders to seek refuge. That money went to the Australian Red Cross to provide shelter as well as clean water.
CARE centre on mainland PNG
Photo: Jim Moore, CARE Australia
The Manam Island volcano began to erupt last October, with greater activity in late January. The ash spewing from the crater has damaged crops and contaminated water. People on the island have also noted an increase in disease such as gastro-intestinal and breathing problems after being exposed to the falling ash. Many of the villagers' houses collapsed under the weight of the ash falling on the rooves.
This prompted the PNG Government to evacuate the island and provide food and other essential items to the care centres on the mainland where the people were re-located. The PNG Government supports the decision by the majority of the islanders to seek refuge on the mainland.
Australia is ready to provide further help and is working closely with the PNG National Disaster Management Office which is keeping a close watch on the Manam Island volcano.