NZ delivers post-cyclone relief to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea
by Johnny Blades · RNZNew Zealand has delivered a NZ$3million support package for two Pacific countries affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The Category 5 storm caused widespread damage in parts of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea earlier this month.
Governments of both countries requested help from New Zealand to address urgent humanitarian needs in affected communities.
As part of the response, New Zealand Defence Force personnel and assets have swung into action to deliver a range of relief supplies to the two countries in recent days.
Furthermore, New Zealand Police stationed in PNG's autonomous region of Bougainville also helped move injured people from landslide sites - landslides proved deadly in the disaster.
Solomons
A spokesperson for New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the support package in Solomon Islands came in the following forms:
- New Zealand released MFAT‑funded pre‑positioned humanitarian relief supplies held by World Vision Solomon Islands in Honiara. The 3.5 tonnes of supplies included shelter materials, hygiene and kitchen kits, blankets, and canvasses. These were transported via barge to impacted communities.
- A NZDF P8-A Poseidon completed survey flights of affected locations in Solomon Islands. The imagery was shared with the Government of Solomon Islands to inform its understanding of TC Maila's impacts.
- Grant funding was provided via the New Zealand High Commission to support the National Disaster Management Office and NGO partners.
PNG
According to the MFAT spokesperson, New Zealand delivered the following support in Papua New Guinea:
- A NZDF P-8A survey flight provided aerial photography of Milne Bay Province to support the Government of PNG's understanding of TC Maila's impacts.
- A NZDF C-130J delivered 10 tonnes of New Zealand relief supplies, including agriculture tool kits, shelter tool kits, tarpaulins, chainsaw packs, generators (petrol and diesel), collapsible water containers, family hygiene kits, and mother & infant kits.
- The C-130J remained in country and delivered over 30 tonnes of relief supplies (including New Zealand's) from Port Moresby and Lae to affected provinces. This was carried out under the leadership of Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Centre.
- A NZDF NH90 helicopter extended New Zealand's assistance in East New Britain by providing last-mile delivery of relief supplies in hard to access, isolated communities.
- A second NZDF C-130J flight undertaking pre-planned UXO tasking in Bougainville, delivered an additional 3 tonnes of relief supplies to Bougainville, including agriculture tool kits, family hygiene kits, and mother & infant kits. A NH90 supporting the UXO clearance is also being used for last mile delivery of supplies in Bougainville, in close cooperation with the Bougainville Crisis Centre.
- NZ Police stationed in Bougainville, as part of New Zealand's long-standing police support programme, provided support including moving injured people from landslide sites near Arawa, purchasing emergency drinking water, and transporting Red Cross members to remote communities.
- Grant funding was provided via the New Zealand High Commission to support local partners with delivery of emergency relief supplies.
For both countries, MFAT has invited New Zealand NGOs to submit applications for funding for ongoing relief and early recovery support delivered with their in-country partners.
Crop devastation
The Solomon Islands' Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said Cyclone Maila impacted critical food sources.
Its initial assessment confirmed extensive and widespread damage to agricultural livelihoods in coastal communities, with severe damage of food gardens, fruit trees, and coconut plantations.
The Solomons government has proposed a US$5.6m budget for agricultural recovery and food relief.
In PNG, damage assessment reports are also still filtering through from various provinces affected. In Bougainville, it's clear that devastation to crops is a pressing concern.
South Bougainville MP Tim Masiu said significant damage was sustained to crop gardens in his district. He said the government has started to deliver basic food supplies to affected communities
But Masiu said the need for relief help was ongoing, and he was grateful for the international support.
"Every time Bougainville goes into a disaster, it's always Australia and New Zealand who are the first countries to come in with support, with assistance."