Aid for disaster-struck PNG will shortly take off from Australia

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft, from 35 Squadron, is loaded with equipment and supplies for the Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Diseases Institute team before departing Port Moresby airport to Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, during the Defence Pacific Air Program 24-2. (Image: CPL Samuel Miller)

The Australian government has announced the Defence Force will assist in delivering humanitarian assistance to Papua New Guinea in response to a recent landslide in the region.

Australia will provide an initial $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Papua New Guinea’s response to the landslide in Enga Province, according to a statement published on 27 May.

In direct response to a request from the government of Papua New Guinea, Australia will also send technical experts to PNG to provide incident management assistance, support geohazard assessments, and inform early recovery efforts.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Australia stands by the people and government of Papua New Guinea at this tragic time.

“All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guineans at this very difficult time,” he said.

“As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support.

“Australia’s Defence Force is working closely with the PNG Defence Force to assist with the response. This work is yet another demonstration of the close partnership between our nations and militaries.”

Australia will provide emergency relief supplies to meet the immediate needs of local communities in the landslide area, such as shelter, hygiene kits, and specific support for women and children.

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In addition, support will also be provided to civil society organisations assisting in the initial response and recovery phase. The Australian Defence Force will continue to provide logistical support for this response.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said the support package would assist the urgent needs of those affected by the devastating landslide, and Australia will also be considering additional support.

“The scenes in Papua New Guinea have been heartbreaking and we are keeping the whole country in our thoughts,” Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said.

“Australian disaster response specialists are some of the best in the world, and our team of experts will assist local authorities with recovery and humanitarian support.”