Image: Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea Facebook
Following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks in the Highlands, Australia has offered its assistance in providing humanitarian aid.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop, said the Australian Government is providing $200,000 worth of humanitarian support, including tarpaulins, water purification tablets and water containers.
This morning in Port Moresby, the first shipment of supplies was loaded onto the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) transport aircraft, the C-130, to deliver to affected communities in the Highlands region. The C-130 will also transport medical supplies and equipment by the PNG Government needed at hospitals to care for those injured.
Aerial surveillance of areas hit by the earthquake is also being conducted by the RAAF C-130.
Bishop says Australia is continuing to closely monitor the situation and is ready to provide more support if requested by the PNG Government.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill declared an immediate State of Emergency for Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Enga Provinces. The National Executive Council approved K450 million for relief operations, services restoration and infrastructure rebuilding.
