By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE French Air Force CASA yesterday flew in 2.3 tonnes of relief supplies into Oro province from New Caledonia.
The supplies that were contributed by the French and British governments included tarpaulins, medicine, children’s food, soap, insect repellents, water purifying tablets and more were flown into Girua airport from Noumea.
Acting French Ambassador Godart Jean-Pierre said this was just the first load and would wait for further advAice from the PNG Government on the need for more relief goods later.
“I am pleased that the EU member states had been able to react so positively and quickly to the emergency needs of the people affected by the cyclone” British High Commissioner to PNG David Dunn said.
“I have also passed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Somare from the British government expressing our deepest sympathies at the loss of lives caused by Cyclone Guba”.
Acting French Ambassador to PNG Godart Jean-Pierre said that the joint approach to help the people in Oro province by the French and UK governments and the European Commission was a good example of how the EU member states worked closely together in PNG.
Mr Pierre said he hoped that EU’s collective efforts, along with those of the PNG Government and other international partners would begin to ease the suffering of those people affected by the cyclone.