First response team deployed to cyclone-hit Woodlark atolls

Milne Bay’s first rapid assessment team departed Alotau on Wednesday evening for the hardest hit atolls around Woodlark Island, those that had reportedly suffered great devastation by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Numerous calls have come in for a response at the earliest, this is the first team by Government to head out to affected areas.

Acting Provincial Disaster Coordinator Randal Ganisi says the team is made up of a cross-section of entities from Health to Police, infrastructure experts, partners, and NGOs.

Randal Ganisi, a/Prov. Disaster Coordinator

They each have set assessment targets to meet while there on this initial seven day trip.

Dawaleia Norris, a/Provincial Environmental Health Officer

This initial trip aims to target proper response plans for each of the entities involved.

Ganisi meantime added the team has been dispatched with basic relief supplies for the island communities they will be targeting including Budibudi, Egom and Yanaba.

Randal Ganisi, a/Provincial Disaster Coordinator