Isifu announces formation of inter-agency team for natural disasters

By LUKE KAMA
A JOINT interagency team to be on standby for natural disasters has been formed.
Minister for Inter-Government Relations Kevin Isifu revealed this on Friday while presenting certificates to officers from government departments and agencies, donors, development partners and non-governmental organisations.
The team comprises officers from the Australian High Commission, Care PNG, Climate Change and Development Authority, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, Food and Agriculture Organisation, International Organisation for Migration, OxFam, National Disaster Centre, National Weather Service, National Department of Health, United Nations Development Programme, UN Population Fund and World Vision. Isifu said the establishment of the team called NAST marked a significant step forward in the country’s efforts in responding to natural disasters and emergencies.
“From our experiences in the past years, collection of vital data and information from disaster-affected areas has often been very difficult,” he said.
“It usually takes three to four days or almost a week for government to mobilise a team to conduct assessments on areas affected by disasters. That has been one of our main challenges.
“The establishment of this team will significantly reduce the delays and ensure officers are deployed within 48 hours.”
The team will provide critical information on humanitarian needs assistance to government and other stakeholders.
National Disaster Centre acting director Martin Mose said the idea was developed with the assistance of the United National Development Programme and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“We would like the Department of Works, National Agriculture Research Institute and Agriculture Department to be part of the team,” Mose said.