AUSTRALIA and Papua New Guinea have launched a joint aerial relief operation to support communities devastated by tropical cyclone Maila.
The Australian High Commission confirmed on Wednesday that aircraft from both nations are being deployed to conduct damage assessments and deliver emergency supplies to affected islands.
Under the Defence Cooperation Programme (DCP), a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan aircraft is conducting aerial surveys of the islands surrounding Alotau.
These flights will allow specialists from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to map out the damage, helping the National Disaster Centre (NDC) coordinate the local response.
The PNGDF has also committed a PAC-750 aircraft and a contracted Bell 412 helicopter to the mission.
These assets are being used to transport NDC workers and military personnel directly into impacted areas for community engagement and local assessments.
Australia has offered Papua New Guinea (PNG) humanitarian and disaster relief help to support PNG’s response to cyclone Maila.
The relief package includes the delivery of lifesaving assistance and technical expertise to vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the DCP is managing the transportation of essential supplies from Port Moresby to Alotau to replenish local stocks.
The C-27J Spartan involved in the mission is part of the Defence Pacific Air Program, which regularly operates within PNG.
