The National Government is further lifting its efforts to provide much needed relief assistance and support for the communities in parts of the country impacted by the category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Prime Minister James Marape announced intensified National Response efforts following fresh Reports on the impact of Cyclone Maila across several parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG), with immediate Relief Funding released and high-level Visits planned to affected Regions.

Speaking during a Press Conference on Wednesday 15th April at the Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Government has begun receiving situation Reports from Provinces, Districts, and Local-Level Governments, providing a clearer picture of the scale of devastation.

“We are in a disaster situation. Reports are now coming in, and the weather conditions are still ongoing. I want to assure our people that the Government is fully engaged and responding,” Prime Minister Marape said.

PM Marape revealed that the National Government has allocated K5 million each to affected Provinces as immediate Relief support, bringing the total funding to K30 million for six affected Provinces, including Milne Bay Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“There is K5 million each going to the affected Provinces as a start-up support for water, medicines, food, and rations for our people,” the Prime Minister said.

“The Government has made funding available to ensure our Provincial leaders can immediately distribute food, medicine, and essential Relief supplies while we await full assessment Reports,” he added.

He further confirmed that a comprehensive Cabinet submission is being prepared to address the full cost of national recovery and rehabilitation.