Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has conveyed his heartfelt sympathies and reaffirmed the National Government’s full commitment to assisting Communities affected by the recent impacts of Cyclone Maila, particularly in Milne Bay Province and other affected parts of Papua New Guinea.
In a follow-up to earlier Statements, Prime Minister Marape said the Government is now intensifying its Response efforts as assessments continue across Provinces impacted by heavy rains, strong winds, and rising sea levels. “My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected,” the Prime Minister said. “We have asked all Provincial Governments and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to furnish Reports on the scale of the damage and the number of people affected, so we can coordinate our Response effectively.”
He further stressed the urgency of coordinated Reporting, stating: “The National Government has activated a Central Disaster Relief Coordination mechanism through the National Disaster and Emergency Office, and we are asking all Provincial Administrators to submit their Preliminary Reports by tomorrow so we can have a clear national picture of the situation.”
Government Mobilising Relief and International Support
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that the National Government is working closely with Provincial Administrations, District Authorities, and Local-Level Governments to ensure timely and coordinated Relief efforts. “We will offer assistance as much as possible and ensure that our people are not left stranded,” he said.
The Government has begun mobilising essential Relief supplies, prioritising immediate humanitarian needs such as:
• Food Rations
• Clean Water Supply
• Temporary Shelter and Building Materials
• Medical Supplies
“Our priority is to help our people pick up their lives again, starting with immediate food relief, water supply, medical assistance, and accommodation support,” the Prime Minister stated. He emphasised that while Reports are still coming in, Government will ensure no community is missed: “At the moment, Reports are still coming in and are scattered, but we will make sure we reach every place, every island, and every community that has been affected.”
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged international goodwill, noting that assistance has been offered by Development Partners. “We have received indications of support from the Australian Government and Partners such as Starlink, and we are processing and mobilising this assistance.”
Strengthening Communication and Connectivity
The Prime Minister highlighted challenges with Communication in affected areas, noting that some Regions remain difficult to access due to damaged or unreliable Networks. “In some areas, Phone Communications have not been reliable, and I want to thank Digicel and other Telecommunications providers who have stepped in to offer Toll-Free services and free Airtime to assist affected Communities.”
He added that Government is exploring Technological solutions to improve connectivity during emergencies. “We are also looking at deploying Starlink connectivity in affected areas to ensure reliable Communication and Data access as we coordinate Relief efforts across the country.”
Prime Minister to Visit Affected Areas
Subject to Weather conditions and Transport availability, Prime Minister Marape announced plans to travel to Milne Bay Province to personally assess the situation and stand in solidarity with affected Communities. “I am planning to visit Milne Bay and its island communities to spend time with our people and assure them that the National Government stands with them in this time of adversity,” he said.
The planned Visit will include some of the country’s most remote island communities, including:
• Budibudi
• Dobu Island
• The Trobriand Islands (including Kiriwina)
• Other island and mainland communities across Milne Bay
Whole-of-Government Response Underway
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the response to Cyclone Maila is a Whole-of-Government effort, with National Agencies working in coordination with Provincial and Local Authorities, as well as Churches and Community organisations. “We will work closely with Districts, Provinces, and our Churches to ensure assistance reaches every displaced person and affected family,” he said. “This is an assurance we give to our people — the Government will do its absolute best to support them through this difficult time.”
He urged all affected Communities to remain patient and cooperative as Relief operations are rolled out, noting that accessibility challenges due to weather and geography are being addressed.
Call for Unity and Resilience
The Prime Minister concluded by calling on all Papua New Guineans to stand together in support of those affected, highlighting the nation’s resilience in times of crisis.
“In times like this, we must stand united as one country, one people, supporting each other as we recover and rebuild,” he said.