Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced intensified National Response efforts following fresh Reports on the impact of Cyclone Maila across several parts of Papua New Guinea, with immediate Relief Funding released and high-level Visits planned to affected Regions.
Speaking during a Press Conference this afternoon at Melanesian Haus, 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.
K5 Million Immediate Relief Support Per Province – K30 Million Total Allocation
Prime Minister 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.
“Next week, Cabinet will consider a full Paper that will capture the total cost of rebuilding and rehabilitation of everything that has been lost,” he stated. “As full Reports come in, we will determine the total cost of reconstruction and make provisions in this year’s and next year’s Budgets to restore livelihoods,” the Prime Minister added.
Milne Bay Identified as Severely Impacted
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern for Milne Bay Province, describing it as one of the hardest-hit regions due to its vulnerable low-lying islands. “I am told Milne Bay has been severely affected. Many of the islands are low-lying atolls, and rising sea levels combined with heavy rains have destroyed food gardens and contaminated water sources,” he said. “My heart goes out to our people there. You are not alone—we will do everything possible to help you rebuild your lives.”
Prime Minister to Visit Affected Communities
Prime Minister Marape confirmed plans to personally travel to Milne Bay Province later this week, weather permitting, to assess the situation on the ground and provide leadership support to affected communities.
“I am arranging transport and, if conditions allow, I intend to be in Milne Bay from Friday through the weekend to visit our people and see firsthand the impact of this disaster,” he said.
The Visit will include affected island communities, where urgent needs are being identified.
Ministerial Deployment Across Regions
In addition, the Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, will travel to other affected Provinces, including Autonomous Region of Bougainville, to coordinate infrastructure assessments and Response efforts at the Regional level.
Provincial Administrations, District Development Authorities (DDAs), and Local-Level Governments (LLGs) have been directed to expedite reporting and work closely with the National Government to ensure coordinated Response and recovery.
Call for Preparedness Amid Changing Weather Patterns
Prime Minister Marape also used the opportunity to highlight the growing reality of climate-related Disasters affecting the Region.
“We must accept that weather patterns are changing. Events like Cyclone Maila are becoming more frequent, and we must adapt as a nation,” he said.
He indicated that the Government will explore long-term Programs aimed at strengthening resilience, particularly for remote island communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Message of Solidarity
Closing his remarks, the Prime Minister conveyed the Government’s solidarity with all affected citizens.
“We stand in total solidarity with our people who have lost homes, livelihoods, and, in some cases, loved ones. The Government will walk with you through this difficult time,” he said.