MORE supplies from Australia have arrived in Port Moresby but the more difficult part of the Oro relief operation remains – getting them to the flood victims.
AusAID coordinator in Popondetta Bill Costello said one of the biggest challenges was reaching the many communities because bridges, roads and villages had been washed away.
“Many tonnes of crucial food, shelter, water and medical supplies were being airlifted to a central point in the province, near Popondetta, where it was being moved by Caribou to smaller landing strips around the province,” he said.
“From this point, the (Australian Defence Force) Blackhawks will distribute the aid directly into the isolated villages.
“We are continuing to get a better picture of the needs in the affected areas and we will use local distribution systems and procure food locally where possible.”
The Australian government has committed A$1 million (K2.6 million) to the relief effort, half of which had been distributed to non-governmental organisations involved.
The commander of the Australian assistance operation, Group Captain Tim Innes, said a significant load of AusAID humanitarian stores arrived in Port Moresby last weekend.
“An additional 14 pallets of stores have arrived in Port Moresby for urgent distribution,” he said.
“A further 70 tonnes of humanitarian stores located in Lae were being loaded on a Royal Australian Navy heavy landing craft today for delivery to Gona Beach and Oro Bay,” Capt Innes said. “These stores are expected to arrive tomorrow.”