In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Maila, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has received urgent humanitarian assistance from Australia.

On Friday the 17th of April, Mission Aviation Fellowship flew 737 kg of Australian Aid goods to Buin, including rice, tinned meat and hygiene kits. Passengers on the flight included the Autonomous Bougainvile Government State of Emergency Disaster Controller Kearneth Nanei, Deputy Controller Belinda Gara Lambong, and Health Inspector Samantha Pidian.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft delivered 2.5 tonnes of supplies to Buka, in Bougainville’s north. This was then distributed to the affected communities within Bougainville, including the supplies flown by MAF to Buin, at the southern end of Bougainville.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila caused damage to roads and bridges, cutting the link for people and supplies to travel to certain locations by land. Heavy seas have also restricted travel by sea.

Jonathan Ainui, MAF’s Flight Operations and Liaison Officer in Bougainville, said:

“MAF is doing its part to support by flying these supplies provided by Australia to these cut-off affected communities. My people are very happy with the service of MAF currently.”