INTERNATIONAL assistance began arriving yesterday as Australia and New Zealand announced humanitarian assistance for victims of the flood ravaged Oro province.
Australia announced it would provide up to $1 million (K2.63 million) in humanitarian assistance, as its military planes flew into Port Moresby on request from the PNG Government.
It is estimated 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 province.
Two Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft carrying AusAID humanitarian stores and two Caribou transport aircraft flew into Port Moresby yesterday.
Another Caribou and three Army Blackhawk helicopters will join the effort today to aid the relief effort.
An Australia Navy heavy landing craft (LCH) has been placed on short notice to sail from Cairns if required by the PNG Government.
Australia’s humanitarian supplies include water purification tablets and water containers; emergency shelter; blankets and generators.
AusAID sent in an assessment mission by helicopter to report on damages to infrastructure and priority relief needs. AusAID disaster management and health experts are on the ground in Port Moresby and will be deployed to Oro today to coordinate and support relief efforts.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that an initial contribution of $100,000 (K220,000) will help the PNG Red Cross immediately replenish supplies of mosquito nets, tarpaulins, water containers and cooking equipment.
Mr Peters said assessments were being made of the most urgent requirements and New Zealand was ready to provide further assistance if this is sought.
The funding is being made through New Zealand Red Cross, from the regional emergency fund of the government’s international aid agency, NZAID.
Australia and New Zealand’s assistance comes as Comptroller of the State of Emergency Col Vagi Oala and Defence Force commander Peter Ilau flew into Popondetta yesterday to talk to officials on the ground.
Companies, NGOs, women groups and other organisations were also pledging contributions to assist victims of the disaster.
The death toll was placed at 163, but that figure could be higher as the situation in some affected areas is not known.
Cabinet has approved K50 million for relief and reconstruction efforts, but it is estimated more than K220 million is needed to rebuild roads and bridges damaged by the flood.