AUSTRALIA and other international aid agencies are ready to help flood victims in the flood devastated Oro province where more than 153 people have been killed and homes, roads, bridges and food gardens washed away.
Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer said the Australian government stood ready to help and was seeking a clearer indication of the extent of the disaster from the Papua New Guinea Government, according to Pacnews.
Downer said AusAID officials were working closely with the PNG Government officials and other donor agencies through the UN Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs to assess the situation and what help might be needed.
The PNG Red Cross has organised a shipment of tarpaulins and water containers to Oro where the main airport and wharf remained cut off from Popondetta, hindering relief efforts.
International agency Oxfam has sent a disaster expert to the province to assess the damage and PNG service clubs, including the Rotary, has started fundraising drives to help the flood victims.
Three trekking groups on the Kokoda Track, which traverses part of Oro province, abandoned their walks and flew out from small airstrips last week because heavy rain had caused creeks to swell.
The main trekking season is already over with the start of the wet season but Kokoda airfield is still operational for those keen to risk a damp trek on the famed 96km wartime trail.