NZDF helps airlift aid to quake-damaged region of Papua New Guinea
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is helping authorities in Papua New Guinea fly aid supplies to a remote highlands region that was badly affected by last week’s powerful earthquake.
Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft that delivered about eight tonnes of aid from New Zealand on Monday would be taking emergency supplies from Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby to the Southern Highlands over the next two days.
“We learnt from the authorities that they are struggling to access many of the worst-hit areas because of large landslips and damaged roads, preventing the delivery of much-needed aid,” Major General Gall said.
“Our airlift support seeks to help the Papua New Guinea Government distribute food, water and sanitation equipment to remote communities hardest hit by the earthquake.”
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on 25 February, killing at least 67 people. The quake disrupted power and communication and damaged roads, airports and two main health facilities in the Highlands region.
New Zealand’s aid shipment included 120 15-litre water containers, 750 collapsible water containers, 200 family hygiene kits, 200 shelter tool kits and 120 tarpaulins.
