Papua New Guinea and Australia are working closely to coordinate the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and support to local response efforts following the impact of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila.
Australia has provided an initial PGK 3 million (AUD 1 million) to support the response, with a particular focus on regions most heavily impacted including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and islands affected in Milne Bay Province.
Australia’s support will deliver lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities, including delivery of humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance. Funding will also be delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership program with non-government organisations supporting the work of local partners.
As part of this support, a two-person Australia Assists Rapid Response Team have been deployed to PNG to support the National Disaster Centre’s (NDC) response, in addition to Australia’s two Australia Assists deployees with the NDC. The Rapid Response Team is Australia Assists’ rapid deployable humanitarian capability.
Australia Assists Rapid Response Team Leader Mr Peter Grzic is in Bougainville.
“The purpose of the mission is to provide on-the-ground coordination and support to the National Disaster Centre, the Provincial Disaster Centre in Milne Bay, and the Central Command Centre in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, acting at the direction of the government leaders and supporting their priorities.
More specifically the initial focus will be on supporting communications and information management functions of the NDC to gain a clear picture of the damage caused by TC Maila,” he said.
The Rapid Response Team consists of experienced humanitarian responders, including five members from the Pacific. A Rapid Response Team can be requested by a partner nation in response to a rapid onset disaster. The Rapid Response Team is on standby to deploy within 48 hours, typically up to 14 days, and is self-sufficient. Their role is to deploy to and provide surge support in line with the priorities of the national disaster management organisation.
ENDS
Mr Peter Grzic, Australia Assists Rapid Response Team Leader with Mr Tony Kauworo, Community Government Director for Nissan/Atolls in the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Department of Community Government and District Affairs at the ABG Central Command Centre.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100