PNG Government, through the National Disaster Centre, is escalating its national response to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, says Minister Dr. Billy M. Joseph.
He has been stripped of defense duties and responsibilities, but he is still the Minister responsible for the National Disaster Centre, PNG Fire Services, and National Volunteer Services.
Related news: https://thepngbulletin.com/news/government-steps-up-response-to-cyclone-maila/
“We acknowledge the hardship being faced by our people across impacted provinces, and we are escalating our response to ensure timely assistance reaches those in need,” said Minister Joseph.
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Port Moresby is fully activated and is coordinating a whole-of-government response in close collaboration with provincial authorities, security forces, and humanitarian partners.
“The National Emergency Operations Centre is fully activated and working around the clock with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective national response,” Dr. Joseph said in a statement.
All affected provinces—Milne Bay, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, and Manus—have been directed to immediately activate their Provincial Disaster Committees.
These committees, established under the Disaster Management Act 1984 and chaired by Provincial Administrators, are required to activate Provincial Emergency Operations Centers (PEOCs) on a 24/7 basis, deploy rapid assessment teams as soon as weather conditions permit, produce preliminary damage assessment reports, and transmit reports directly to the National Emergency Operations Centre via email at info@pngndc.gov.pg.
“All provincial authorities must act swiftly to activate their disaster committees and ensure timely reporting so that we can respond effectively at the national level,” Dr. Joseph said.
These reports will include comprehensive assessments of damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public buildings, and other critical assets.
All damage to public infrastructure will be assessed by Provincial Works authorities in coordination with the Department of Works and Highways.
Any emergency repair works to critical infrastructure will be jointly led by Provincial Works and the Department of Works and Highways to ensure the restoration of access routes, re-establishment of essential services, and support for ongoing relief operations.
“We are prioritizing the rapid assessment and restoration of critical infrastructure to ensure access routes are reopened and essential services are restored without delay,” Dr. Joseph said.
A joint multi-agency assessment team will be deployed to Milne Bay Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville on Monday, 13 April 2026, due to capacity limitations at the provincial level.
Milne Bay, being the most affected province, along with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, will receive immediate concurrent support from the National Government through the National Disaster Centre.
“Milne Bay and Bougainville will receive immediate national support, and we are deploying multi-agency teams to strengthen assessment and response efforts on the ground,” Dr. Joseph said.
The Government will also leverage the capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, with support from the New Zealand Defense Force and the Australian Defense Force, for aerial surveillance, transport of assessment teams, and delivery of relief supplies.
“We are mobilizing our defense capabilities, with support from our international partners, to ensure aerial surveillance, logistics, and delivery of relief supplies are carried out efficiently,” Dr. Joseph said.
The United Nations system, through the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Papua New Guinea, has been formally notified.
Key bilateral partners, including Australia and others, have also been informed and are on standby to provide support based on verified assessment outcomes.
Assessment findings will determine the level of assistance required in each province, and where provincial capacity is exceeded, the National Government will provide additional supplementary support.
“We have formally engaged our international partners, and their support will be activated based on verified needs identified through ongoing assessments,” Dr. Joseph said.
The Government acknowledges and commends the tireless efforts of Provincial Administrations, District Development Authorities, and Local Level Governments across affected areas.
Despite challenging conditions, these authorities continue to support affected communities, deliver initial relief assistance, and maintain essential public services.
“I commend our provincial and local authorities who continue to serve our people under very difficult conditions, ensuring that assistance reaches those affected,” Dr. Joseph said.
The Government reassures all citizens that it is working with partners to mobilize and deliver relief assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible. Communities are urged to remain calm, follow official guidance, and rely on verified information channels.
“We assure all citizens that relief efforts are being mobilized as quickly as possible, and we urge everyone to remain calm and follow official guidance,” Dr. Joseph said.
No province and no community will be left behind. The Government remains fully committed to protecting lives, restoring essential services, and supporting recovery efforts across the country. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-marape-assures-nation-of-readiness-as-tropical-cyclone-threatens-parts-of-png/
“No province and no community will be left behind. We remain fully committed to protecting lives, restoring services, and supporting recovery efforts nationwide,” Dr. Joseph said.