PM: K5m for relief efforts after disasters

 THE Government has allocated K5 million for relief assistance to people affected by floods and landslides in Southern Highlands and Gulf provinces.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced the relief assistance yesterday following more than a week of heavy rain and floods that have wreaked havoc in the two provinces.

“The flooding has affected people in the two provinces differently and the government is working to ensure appropriate resources are mobilised,” O’Neill said in a statement.

“The most recent assessment is that the situation in Gulf Province is stabilising, while in Southern Highlands, the situation is evolving.

“In Gulf, around K600,000 has already been dispersed by National Disaster Centre for the emergency provision of tarpaulins for shelter as well as food and water supplies.

“This is being transported by military barge from Port Moresby to affected areas and distributed by smaller boats.  In areas that are inaccessible by boat the PNGDF will use helicopters to transport relief supplies. InterOil is providing further assistance in support of relief operations.”

O’Neill said the situation in Southern Highlands is less apparent due to ongoing bad weather hampering assessment activities.

“A rapid assessment team is on standby, but it has been unable to access the flood area due to low cloud cover.  

“We now expect this assessment to be ready by tomorrow morning and will provide a clearer picture of the relief required.

“An initial K200,000 has already been dispersed for emergency supplies to be delivered to the most seriously affected in areas in the Southern Highlands that are accessible.”

“While one area might require an immediate response due to current danger such as rising water, another area might have already seen the water recede but new concerns emerge such as access to shelter, clean food and water.

“The government’s response must be coordinated to support the victims.”