NORTH FLY RECEIVES FIRST EL NINO RELIEF SUPPLIES BY AIR

By KENNY ROMANUS, in Tabubil

NORTH Fly District has received its first airlift of El Niño relief supplies at Tabubil Airport today, marking the start of a coordinated humanitarian operation to assist communities facing worsening food and water shortages across Western Province.

The supplies were transported from Port Moresby to Tabubil aboard an Alenia C-27J Spartan aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Humanitarian Relief Campaign (HRC) for North Fly.

The initial airlift represents the first phase of the planned relief operation, with the ADF undertaking an initial assessment before progressively increasing the volume of supplies delivered by air.

The first stage involved the delivery of two pallets reportedly carrying two tonnes of relief supplies. This initial delivery allows the team to assess operational requirements, including flight distance, fuel consumption, aircraft capacity and other technical considerations.

Subsequent stages will depend on the team’s assessment of its capacity to transport larger quantities of supplies safely and efficiently.

Approximately four sorties, or individual flights, are anticipated under the planned airlift operation, subject to operational requirements and technical assessments.

Meanwhile, preparations are progressing to transport additional relief supplies by sea and river to communities affected by the prolonged dry spell.

The first barge was loaded at Kennedy Port in Motukea, Port Moresby, with 50 tonnes of relief supplies from an initial planned shipment of 120 tonnes. Loading activities are continuing today.

A second vessel is also scheduled to be loaded at Oyster Bay in Taurama, Port Moresby, with another 120 tonnes of relief supplies destined for Aiambak.

The combined air, sea and river transport operations are intended to ensure essential supplies reach affected communities, particularly those in remote locations where transportation has become increasingly difficult due to falling river levels and the prolonged dry conditions.

Earlier today, the North Fly Relief Team Coordinator met with representatives of the Papua New Guinea Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) and Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) to coordinate the relief operation and align the efforts of the participating organisations.

The relief team acknowledged PNGSDP and OTML for initiating assistance and supporting efforts to deliver essential supplies to communities affected by the prolonged dry spell.

The humanitarian operation is expected to continue in phases, with further deliveries planned as logistical arrangements are finalised and operational assessments progress.