By Jack Lapauve Jr, EMTV – Port Moresby
The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed a C130J Hercules to provide assistance, following the earthquake that occurred in the early morning of 26 February 2018.
The C-130J Hercules has begun distributing humanitarian aid for earthquake affected areas in Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Provinces.
The aircraft has also been requested to conduct aerial surveillance of affected areas.
This is the first round of humanitarian relief supplies from outside the country.
The reliefs include a mixture of medical supplies and equipment; tarps, tents, blankets and water containers.
The medium-sized tactical air-lifter has also been requested to conduct aerial surveillance of affected areas and support national and provincial authorities.
Further assessments of the earthquakes impact, will also be carried out by the air force.
Police, Red Cross and volunteers are helping the Air Force personnel to distribute the relief supplies.
Most supplies reached provincial headquarters yesterday.
The arrival of the aircraft follows a formal request by the Papua New Guinea Government to the Australian Government two days after earthquake struck Hela, Southern highlands, Enga and Western Provinces.
