PNG earthquake 2018

Hela Inaka earthquake relief

The Hela Inaka or (“My” Hela) Relief was set up following the devastating earthquake on the 26th of February that shook the entire Hela and Southern Highlands provinces, including parts of the Highlands Region.

This is a group comprising of concerned Hela women, men, youth and children residing in Port Moresby with a great desire to help their people rebuild and recover from this catastrophe.

OSL disaster funds almost exhausted: Botten

He said over the last two weeks, the company had undertaken intense relief efforts, conducting more than 87 supply drops of a combined total of nearly 50 tons of supplies and materials.

Most of these have been done using helicopters flying to remote parts of the impact areas.

Botten said it was an expensive exercise but it was only fair the company did its part as a member of the community.

PNG quake: PNG, Aust work to restore power

Working closely with PNG Power Limited, Australia has provided up to A$400,000 (just over PGK1,000,000) for the purchase and delivery of ten 80kva transformers that are needed to restore power across parts of Hela Province and Southern Highlands Province, which have a combined population exceeding 750,000.

The transformers will see reliable power restored to some 3,500 PNG Power customers, including businesses, health clinics, schools and family homes.

MP calls for fair distribution of relief supplies

Donald says the supplies must be coordinated properly so that men, women and children affected are assisted adequately and fairly to recover and rebuild their lives.

“There are thousands of people being affected. They’ve lost their homes, infrastructure and food gardens,” states the MP.

“In Western, worst affected are those in Mougulu and Nomad in Nomad LLG where at least 3,000 people have been affected.

Over K300,000 relief from US govt

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) is providing $100,000 (K320,000) for this.

United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Catherine Ebert-Gray, expressed great sadness for victims and families of those who perished during the 7.5 magnitude earthquake, and requested assistance from the U.S. government, resulting in the $100,000 aid package.

PNC to host quake relief fundraising

Prime Minister and PNC Leader, Peter O’Neill, said PNC is a party for the people and all Members are rallying together to provide support for victims of the disaster.

“We have already seen generous support from the private sector, both in donations and contributions in-kind through the provision of goods and services,” the Prime Minister said.

“The PNC Red Ball for earthquake relief will be an opportunity for the People’s National Congress Party to bring together our supporters to raise funds for people during their time of need.

Overwhelming relief response by community: Group

The official drive, which started on Friday the 09th of March, has received remarkable response.

The team leader, Rex Paura, said it was amazing; the outcome of donation in kind has been just heart-warming.

The drive, now in its third day, has since gathered at least more than 20 bales in clothing and other necessities including rice, canned goods and water bottles.

They are expecting more people to donate in kind however, starting next week, the group will focus mainly on food and water donations as well as necessary items needed by the people affected.

WHO, NDoH deploy emergency health teams

A devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces on 26 February, triggering landslides that are reported to have wiped out villages, contaminated drinking water and disrupted rivers.

“We offer our deep-felt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones as a result of the earthquake. We are working closely with the National Department of Health to provide assistance where most needed,” said WHO Country Representative, Dr Luo Dapeng.

1,000 50kg rice bags for disaster relief

Philippines Secretary of Agriculture, Emmanuel Manny Pinol, made the announcement of the donations yesterday when visiting Secretary of Agriculture, Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava.

Accompanied by a large delegation from the Philippines embassy in Port Moresby, Pinol said PNG is home to many Filipinos, therefore it is only fitting to give back.

He said 100 bags of 50kg rice will be bought in PNG while the remaining 900 bags and a 40ft container will be brought in from the Philippines sometimes this week.

Supplies delivered to Western, SHP

This newsroom received unconfirmed reports that an estimated 13 people were killed at Huiya village while some have been unaccounted for.

Project Officer of the North Fly District, Larry Franklin, who is involved in the disaster relief operation, told this newsroom neighbouring villagers fled into Huiya and Dodomona since disaster struck.

He said there are about 1,200 people currently at Dodomona village.

Food and water was running out until today when the MAF delivered much-needed relief supplies to Huiya.