The much-needed relief supplies for the Murua Island community impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, arrived last night on board MV Whiskey Sierra, much to the delight of the people.
According to the Acting Disaster Coordinator of the Milne Bay Disaster office, Mr. Randal Ganisi, the vessel set sail for Murua on Monday morning on a two-day trip and reached that island last night.
“This is our first official respond right after Tropical Cyclone Maila eased down, this is a planned 7-day operations to Samarai- Murua District which is the most affected, 2 days trip on sea to the district, 3 days relief operations and 2 days return trip back to the mainland.”
Mr. Ganisi highlighted that this is a joint effort with the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, the Red Cross and the Fire service with a total of 14 first responders led by former Milne Bay Fire Service Commander, Iso Abau. They are right now on Murua Island.
“Physical environment assessment will be made and then food items as well and non- food items will be distributed. After distribution of relief supplies, medical services will be made available to those that need medical attention.”
After Murua Island, the team will move on to Ego Island and then to Yanaba Island before returning.
Mr. Ganisi further stated that at the moment there are two navy ships in Alotau ready to provide aid with disaster relief work on outer islands of Milne Bay Province.
“We also have disaster relief supplies of food items and NFI brought in by an Australian Defence Force plane and a New Zealand Defence Force plane, and these supplies will be loaded on to the two Navy ships to be distributed to all the affected communities on all the small islands affected by tropical Cyclone Malai.”
“We are grateful for the assistance given to us by our partners and neighbors Australia and New Zeeland through their military, this will definitely bring relief to the affected.”
Ganisi added that depending on the severity, the most affected is Budibudi Island in the Samarai- Murua district followed by other islands in the district. Other islands in the Kiriwina Good Enough district and the North Coast of Milne Bay mainland also were impacted.
With the disaster assessment underway as well as the disaster relief program, the disaster office acknowledges the Milne Bay Provincial Government for being the first to provide K100,000 disaster funds, also acknowledging Alotau District Administration for another K100,000 for disaster relief, whose contributions have helped kick off the assessment and relief programs right after the cyclone.
“Further acknowledgement to the Provincial Disaster Office, the National Disaster Office and partners including the New Zealand Government and the Australian Government for assistance,” Ganisi adds.
“We are aware of fundraising for disaster relief happening in Port Moresby and Lae, we acknowledge the strategic approach and the collective efforts put together and we appeal that all proceeds be given directly to the Provincial Disaster office for clear management and fair distributions to affected communities.”
