The National Disaster Centre (NDC) has stepped in to support emergency drought relief operations in North Fly District, Western Province, by coordinating logistics and arranging transportation for 120 tonnes of essential food supplies to drought-affected communities.
The assistance follows efforts by North Fly MP Hon. James Donald to mobilise 500 tonnes of emergency relief supplies to assist communities severely affected by the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.
Mr Donald has used District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) funds and internal revenue to purchase food, dry goods, water and other essential supplies for affected communities throughout the district.
The National Disaster Centre responded by coordinating the hiring of a landing craft to transport the first 120 tonnes of relief supplies to Aiambak for distribution to communities in need.
According to a media statement released by the NDC today, October 15, the logistical support is part of the National Government’s response to the worsening drought conditions affecting remote communities in Western Province.
The Australian Government has also committed to airlifting 10 tonnes of relief supplies to Tabubil, while Ok Tedi Mining Limited will transport an additional 50 tonnes to support the relief operation.
The combined assistance is expected to ease the burden on affected communities, particularly those facing difficulties accessing food and essential supplies as a result of declining river levels.
Mr Donald welcomed the timely intervention by the National Disaster Centre and development partners, saying transportation remains one of the biggest challenges in delivering relief supplies to isolated communities.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the National Government and the National Disaster Centre for their timely support. Getting relief into remote parts of North Fly is a major challenge, especially during this drought when the Fly River water level has decreased, and the NDC’s help with logistics has made a real difference for our people,” Mr Donald said.
He also thanked the Australian Government and Ok Tedi Mining Limited for their commitment to transporting relief supplies to Tabubil.
Mr Donald said he would continue seeking additional government and development partner support to transport the remaining relief supplies to affected communities across the district.
The ongoing drought has created serious logistical challenges in Western Province, where many rural communities depend heavily on river transport for the movement of food, medical supplies and other essential goods.
The National Disaster Centre’s intervention highlights the importance of cooperation between national authorities, district administrations and development partners in ensuring emergency relief reaches vulnerable communities.