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.
Ends