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USAID and IOM Assist Communities Affected by Flooding and Landslide

Photo: IOM delivering relief items to displaced households in Southern Highlands province © IOM/2025 

Port Moresby – In a response to the flash floods and landslides in the Southern Highlands province, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) recently delivered essential non-food items (NFIs) to 250 households across six council wards of Aiya Rural Local Level Government in Kagua-Erave district. IOM coordinated with the local authorities and conducted a Displacement Tracking Matrix assessment, which has informed the response.  

IOM, in partnership with the Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Center and the Kagua-Erave District Community Development Office, delivered emergency relief to 250 flood-affected households (approximately 1,250 individuals).  The assistance was tailored to meet the immediate needs of displaced, and most vulnerable households. The items distributed include basic shelter construction tools, kitchen utensils, soap, sleeping mats, jerry cans, and gardening spades, critical to help families rebuild lives.  

Jenny Pani, District Community Development Officer, extended her gratitude on behalf of the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the Kagua-Erave District Administration saying, “We are deeply thankful for this assistance which will help the local population to rebuild their lives.” 

Despite the challenges facing following the displacement, residents have shown remarkable resilience, working to rebuild their homes. Dona Rundupa, a displaced woman leader from Sumi Council Ward, expressed her hope and gratitude upon receiving the assistance.  

As part of community awareness efforts, residents were advised by the District Community Development Officer and IOM, to avoid building homes and gardens near waterways or at the foot of mountains and hills. They were encouraged to use the distributed NFIs to construct shelters and cultivate gardens in safer areas, mitigating future risks. 

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:  

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int   

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int