Firm, IOM help with disaster relief in Sepik

The National National
Flood affected families from Raten village in Angoram receiving supplies from Vodafone Wewak branch over the weekend. – Picture supplied

MORE than 80 families in Raten village, Angoram, severely affected by recent severe floods have received essential emergency supplies including rations, thanks to Vodafone PNG.
The people from this part of the Keram local level government were among those severely affected by the prolonged flooding and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake which hit East Sepik last month.
According to Wewak sales manager Cynthia Tekwie: “Vodafone’s initiative is part of their broader commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent floods. We believe in using our resources and reach to make a difference in the lives of those in need. This donation is just a part of ongoing efforts to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process.”
Angoram MP Salio Waipo, who helped coordinate the transportation of the rations, thanked the firm for assisting his people.
Meanwhile, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is working in partnership with the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and Provincial Disaster Centre (PDC) to deliver aid to the affected in East Sepik.
Funded by USAID-BHA, IOM’s initial response to earthquake and flood-affected communities will directly benefit 2,500 people.
“With the support of our donor and partner USAID-BHA, IOM has promptly and without delay launched its response efforts to bring relief and protection to those affected,” said Serhan Aktoprak, IOM PNG chief of mission.
The IOM said that Papua New Guinea was prone to natural hazards including earthquake, flooding, and landslides.
The statement said IOM prepared 300 shelter kits and 200 non-food Item (NFI) kits in Wewak before East Sepik province was hit by the earthquake and flooding.
“These kits which include buckets with lids, jerry cans, soap, water treatment tablets, and solar lights, were made available through the financial assistance of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).
Following an official request for international humanitarian assistance, IOM has worked closely with the NDC and local authorities to immediately release prepositioned NFIs and shelter repair tool kits for distribution to affected and vulnerable people.