K1 million for victims of volcano

UNITED States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced an additional US$300,000 (about K1.1 million) in relief supplies for people affected by the Mt Bagana volcano in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Arob).
USAID administrator Samantha Power said this on Sunday at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby before her departure from the country.
“Last week, I announced that USAID would invest US$200,000 (about K726,000) of supplies,” she said.
“I am announcing on this visit an additional US$300,000 (about K1.1 million) worth of supplies, which will bring the current investment to K1.8 million.”
“We will provide support in food assistance, logistics and protection support for mothers and children, who in any emergency pay the biggest price and are the most vulnerable.
“Since Mt Bagana’s eruption last month, ash is still severely contaminating the regions food and water supply.
“More than 10,000 people have been affected, including 4,000 people who have been displaced from their homes.”
“Those who have been displaced are now in two evacuation centres at Torokina (South Bougainville) and Wakunai (Central Bougainville).”
“USAID is committed to helping reach those vulnerable people in their hour of need.
“I announced yesterday (Sunday), an investment of more than US$3 million (about K10 million) in PNG’s own disaster response capabilities.
“Ultimately, success will be achieved when PNG has the national capacity to respond to the variety of disasters.”
Bougainville regional member and Minister for Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Jr said that the people of Arob were grateful for the support from the various partners assisting in relief support to those affected by the volcano.
“The assistance from USAID, Australia and New Zealand has been heartfelt by the people of Arob,” he said.
“With the limited capacity that we have in such a disaster, we have been able to reach out to our partners and I express our sincere appreciation.”
“The space of disaster in the country needs a lot of support.
“Mt Bagana will provide the platform for all partners to get together and build our capacity.”