As part of Australia’s humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to support PNG’s response to Tropical Cyclone Maila, Australia will be providing lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities, including the delivery of humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance.
Under the Defence Cooperation Program, both Australia and PNGDF are working together to coordinate their response to the affected communities.
Australia has responded to a request to utilise a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft that regularly works in PNG under the Defence Pacific Air Program.
The C-27J Spartan aircraft will allow PNGDF specialists to conduct aerial surveys of the islands around Alotau to support assessment and planning of the local response, as coordinated by the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and Provincial Administration.
Furthermore, PNGDF PAC-750 aircraft and a contracted PNGDF Bell 412 helicopter will support the mission by transporting key members of the PNGDF and NDC workers to affected areas for local assessment and community engagement as required.
The DCP will also assist with movement of essential supplies from Port Moresby to Alotau. Australia continues to work side by side with PNG to support the humanitarian and disaster relief response following TC Maila.
