Port Moresby – Teams from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are on the ground delivering assistance to several communities affected by flooding and landslides in the Highlands.

IOM’s delivery of supplies has been made possible through the generous funding of the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

IOM, in response to the disaster, worked in partnership with with the National Disaster Centre and Provincial Disaster Centres of Chimbu, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, and Western Highlands, to quickly dispatch 200 shelter kits and 400 non-food item (NFI) kits to affected locations.

All kits were prepositioned in Mendi and Mount Hagen town. The kits include water jerry cans, soap, kitchen utensils, blankets, sleep mats, solar lights, and basic shelter repair and construction tools.

Local authorities in affected provinces expressed their satisfaction with the support.

“We are thankful to USAID and IOM for this timely assistance to help disaster-affected communities. This help will go a long way in improving the lives of the affected population,” said Deputy Provincial Administrator of Chimbu, Mr. Chris Mundu.

The shelter-NFI assistance IOM has delivered so far, will directly benefit up to 3,000 people in Chimbu, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands. Through further USAID support, IOM will expand its response to reach more disaster affected communities in Enga, and East Sepik provinces, to address shelter-NFI, water, sanitation, and hygiene needs.

IOM will mainstream protection in its interventions, by providing logistical support to deliver humanitarian aid to communities by vehicle or boat.

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby, Michael Asima, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: masima@iom.int or Serhan Aktoprak, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: saktoprak@iom.int