City rescue group formed

 A LONG Reach Exercise was put together in Port Moresby to ensure relief delivery and humatarian assistance during disasters and crisis.

PNG Defence Force Commander, Brig-Gen Gilbert Toropo was happy with the efforts during the exercise carried out by representatives from government agencies, and non-government agencies and churches.

It was absolutely necessary because the first 24 hours in a crisis situation was very critical, Toropo said.

“We have to have a wider approach and coordination with other agencies during severe natural or biological phenomenon and disasters,” he said.

Toropo advised participants that it was necessary to have a proper command and control structure to guarantee that roles and responsibilities were not duplicated during an event.

It is relevant that the organisations reported and maintained a communication line with the PNGDF command for allocation of troops in affected areas, he said.

“The next step is to further develop and recommend areas  to improve and maintain the operational plans initiated.”