The United States is delivering urgent humanitarian assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, one of the most severe storms to hit Papua New Guinea, through a coordinated international response involving New Zealand, Australia, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Working alongside Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Center, the joint effort has so far distributed 2,000 emergency supply kits valued at approximately US$142,000 (624,000 PNG kina). The kits include essential household and shelter items such as kitchen sets, plastic tarpaulins, shelter repair materials, and hygiene supplies.
Through a coordinated airlift operation, U.S.-funded supplies have reached 325 people across 65 households in some of the country’s most remote and hardest-hit communities. Many of these areas are only accessible by air, making delivery efforts particularly challenging.
“The United States stands with the people of Papua New Guinea during this difficult time,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alex Berenberg. “Our partnership with Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia, and the International Organization for Migration demonstrates our shared commitment to supporting communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila and strengthening disaster resilience across the Pacific.”
In Karavia 1 Ward, IOM, in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Centre, distributed 65 non-food item kits to the most affected households. The supplies included sleeping mats, soap, jerrycans, solar lights, blankets, gardening tools, and shelter repair equipment such as hammers, nails, rope, and saws.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force played a key role in transporting pre-positioned U.S.-funded relief supplies from Kokopo to Lamaraim and Open Bay, both accessible only by helicopter. This effort delivered 20 kits to Lamaraim and 18 kits to Open Bay for distribution to affected families.
The relief items had been pre-positioned in Lae and Kokopo as part of ongoing U.S. disaster preparedness support for Papua New Guinea, allowing rapid deployment immediately after the cyclone struck. Distributions began last week and are continuing as assessments identify further needs.
Beyond immediate relief, the United States has also invested in long-term disaster resilience. Since 2023, a US$6 million program implemented through IOM has supported Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Center, provincial authorities, and local communities. The initiative focuses on improving emergency coordination, information sharing, and preparedness systems to strengthen responses to future disasters.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to working with Papua New Guinea’s government and disaster authorities to ensure coordinated assistance that prioritizes the dignity and needs of affected communities.
