Weather devastated provinces to get Aussie aid

Australia will provide a $9 million package of assistance to support efforts by communities and governments across the Pacific to prepare for and respond to the effects of El Niño.

PNG will get a $5 million package to:

·         improve food security for about  500,000 people by providing seed stock for drought resistant crops; 

·         determine water and sanitation needs across at least six provinces in partnership with non-government organisations (NGOs);

·         support vulnerable groups including children, women and the elderly through church health services;

·         support the National Disaster Centre, NGOs and local churches to improve logistics and coordination efforts; and

·         provide high quality mapping of the impact of the drought on water, vegetation and crops with the support of Geoscience Australia.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop made the announcement following a visit to the Highlands of PNG to some of the areas impacted by drought and unseasonal frosts that have destroyed food gardens and crops. She was accompanied by PNG Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato.

Bishop said a further $4 million will be provided to support international humanitarian NGOs response efforts across the broader Pacific, where the El Niño is also affecting the availability of food and water.

Author: 
Press Release