14 Mar 2018

Relief supplies start flowing into PNG's Southern Highlands

From , 4:03 pm on 14 March 2018

Emergency relief supplies in Papua New Guinea's earthquake-hit Southern Highlands province are starting to reach affected communities.

However, over two weeks after a magnitude 7.5 quake struck in neighbouring Hela province, the region's transport links remain disrupted due to landslides and damaged airstrips.

Oil and gas companies who operate in the region, including ExxonMobil and Oil search, have also been assisting, with funds and use of their choppers.

But there are many affected communities in remote, cut-off parts where help has not yet reached.

This is why officials say the death toll, which is over 110, is expected to rise as response teams gradually reach them.

The Southern Highlands police commander and deputy chairman of the provincial disaster committee, Joseph Tondop, spoke to Johnny Blades about the situation in his province

Delays in getting relief to quake affected PNG highlands: RNZ Checkpoint

Photo: RNZ / YouTube