Caritas Sends Flood Relief Funds For Oro, Papua New Guinea

Catholic humanitarian agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is giving $50,000 to help feed and shelter flood victims in Oro province Papua New Guinea.

The floods arising from cyclone Guba on 19 November have killed over 150 people, and affected an estimated 145,000. Infrastructure has been badly affected and the provincial centre, Popondetta, has been cut off from its airport and wharf.

Caritas is working through the Archdiocese of Port Moresby which is providing immediate food and non-food items to the homeless, including hygiene kits to lessen the risk of waterbourne diseases. The Archdiocese, which covers Oro province, mobilised 50 volunteers to provide relief to at least 190 families in five care centres round Popondetta. Assessment of other immediate needs is also being carried out, and longer term rebuilding of homes will also be needed.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is helping both with the immediate needs and rehabilitation of shelter.

Donations are also being accepted from the public, and can be made in the following ways:

• Phone 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or


• Donate online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or


• Post donations to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, NEW ZEALAND.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of the Caritas Internationalis network of 162 Catholic relief, development, and social service organisations working in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

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