Operation Unity

Cover Stories

By Harry Momos

RELIEF aid to the people of Gazelle Peninsula displaced by the eruptions of Mount Tavuvur and Vulcan is slowly getting in. Four days after the eruptions, there have already been airlifts of supplies to Tokua airport by two Royal Australian Air Force hercules and an Air Niugini Dash Seven.

The disaster relief operation, code named “Operation Unity”, is the biggest so far in Papua New Guinea history.

PNG Red Cross estimates up to 51,626 people living in nine care centres throughout Gazelle Peninsula.

Support for the relief operations has been overwhelming, with local com panies shipping and providing supplies, and Australia and New Zealand being among the first countries to come forward with assistance. The United Nations has pledged KBO,OOO and pledges from international groups had reached K 400,000 in under a week of the disaster.

A proper assessment of the extent of damage to the town has been made difficult thick dark clouds have been the main obstacle.

Meanwhile, the government is ex pected to discuss with banks the possi bility of placing a moratorium on loan repayments by those affected by the disaster and is looking at making contri butions and donations from the general public tax exempt.

The government is confident it could get assistance from countries like Austra lia, New Zealand and Japan for long term restoration and reconstruction of the devastated areas. □

Evacuation: a ship awaits evacuees as Tavurur Crater belches billowing smoke