Red Cross responds to disaster in Papua New Guinea

15 December 2008

New Zealand Red Cross responds to sea swell disaster in Papua New Guinea

New Zealand Red Cross is preparing to send a specialist IT and Telecommunications humanitarian aid worker to Papua New Guinea to assist with relief efforts in response to the flooding from severe sea swells that hit coastal areas late last week.

The severe sea swells have affected eight provinces and left over 50,000 people displaced and in need of assistance.

Mike Carson of Wanganui will receive a briefing in Wellington tomorrow (Tuesday 16 December) before flying out to Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.  Mr Carson will be responsible for assisting Papua New Guinea Red Cross with the establishment of emergency radio contact in order to restore communications between the affected provinces.

Immediately after the disaster the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society mobilised volunteers to assist with the distribution of relief items which now need to be replenished. 

New Zealand Red Cross will contribute NZD $10,000 to the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society to assist in the replenishment process. The funding will be used to purchase locally supplied emergency relief supplies such as water containers, tarpaulins, buckets and food.

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