Following two weeks of extensive damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila across Bougainville, the number of fatalities now stands at 12 and over 100, 000 people affected, whilst thousands more have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and higher ground.
This is according to a situation report that was presented by the State of Emergency(SOE) Controller Kearneth Nanei.
Assessment teams have been on the ground collecting detailed information about the situation and needs, while simultaneously distributing food and relief supplies in identified hot spots.
“We know the needs are great and both the response and recovery will continue for some time. Teams are working round-the-clock to deliver assistance and coordinate the response,” Nanei said.
The SOE Controller stressed that the Command Centre is aware of those in heavily affected and hard-to-reach places, that are in need of assistance and are using every resource at their disposal to reach out as well as seeking additional resources from the PNG National Disaster Centre, and other private sector and bilateral partners.
In addition to locally procured food and relief items distributed by regional teams, the Central Command Centre has already delivered over 1000kg of rice, 100 water containers, 60 hygiene kits, and a range of essential drugs and medical supplies to regional hubs with the support of MAF.
“We also have large amounts of food and relief supplies pre-positioned in Buka and ready for distribution. We are, however, limited by available aircraft and boats. With additional capacity for transport by air and sea, we can accelerate distribution of these life-saving supplies,” he said.
Support has come from Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Centre, Australia and New Zealand governments, and local leaders, highlighting the regional solidarity in the face of disaster.
Nanei acknowledged the support from stakeholders, agents and national leaders and requested their continued support throughout the full duration of the SOE.
“To all those who have already provided support to this operation, including NDC, and the Australian and New Zealand Governments, the Regional Member for Bougainville, the Open Members of North, South and Central, we thank you and request your continued support throughout the full duration of this response,” Nanei said.
Infrastructure repair is also underway in which the ABG Department of Infrastructure and Utilities has already made significant progress, working closely with the National Department of works and Highways and stakeholders, and work is currently in progress around Bougainville – including to create wet crossings across the Ramazon and Aita, conduct inlet clearance at Tsunpets Bridge, and restoring access for all feeder roads.
Plans have been developed for longer-term repair and rehabilitation of key infrastructure that will be critical to restoring access and communications to isolated communities.
Teams from the Department of Health have also assessed damages at all health facilities and plans for reconstruction are in motion.
SOE Controller Kearneth Nanei emphasised the scale of the challenge, emphasising, “The needs are immense, and while we have made progress in delivering relief, recovery will take time. Our priority is to ensure no one is left behind.”
Coordination remains central to the response and Nanei urged communities to support the collective effort.
“We ask everyone to respect the coordination structures in place and allow unrestricted access for responders. This is a time for unity — government, partners, and communities must work together to rebuild,” Nanei said.
