Relief supplies delivered: O’Neill

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By MALUM NALU
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill, pictured, says relief supplies have started flowing into earthquake-affected areas and the Government is also providing some funding to help the districts worst hit.
The districts have also been given either K2 million or K1 million depending on the severity of damage they received.
Yesterday he gave an update on what was being done by the Government to help those affected by the earthquake.
With him were emergency disaster restoration team controller Dr William Hamlin and members.
O’Neill said people in Southern Highlands, Hela, Western, Enga and Gulf needed food, water and medicine. The Royal Australian Air Force C-130 will join in the transportation of relief supplies to the victims. Smaller aircraft had already begin ferrying supplies to Moro and Mendi airports in Southern Highlands.
“We are now in the process of delivering emergency supplies,” O’Neill said.
“Over the last few days, we’ve been working with the Australian government, with Exxon(Mobil), with Oil Search and Ok Tedi in particular, in making sure that immediate assistance required by the communities is delivered.
“Fortunately for us, Exxon, Oil Search and Ok Tedi work in the surrounding areas and have the capacity to mobilise quickly.”
He thanked the organisations for their support.
“They have given us strong support,” he said.
“We’ve been in communication on a daily basis with the Australian government for the ongoing support they are providing to us, especially the C-130 military aircraft.
“Our defence force and our own team have mobilised up to five helicopters which are now operating within the area.
“They are immediately attending to those people who are sick or injured and taking them to hospital on a regular basis.”