Emergency Aid for Volcanic Disaster in Papua New Guinea

December 2, 2004

On December 2 (Thu), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency assistance in kind, equivalent to about 11 million yen, comprising 50 plastic sheets, 30 six-person tents, 1,000 blankets, 5 portable water tanks, 900 plastic jerry cans and 10 water purifiers, to the Government of Papua New Guinea, which has sustained disastrous volcanic eruptions.
On October 24 (Sun) and 31 (Sun), a volcano of Manam Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, suddenly erupted, spilling lava flows and spewing ash. These eruptions affected about 9,500 islanders and the volcanic ash caused great damage to reservoirs and fields. While volcanic quakes continue and the further volcanic eruptions are anticipated, islanders are still in great peril.
About 1,000 residents of the four seriously-damaged villages in the northeastern part of Manam Island were evacuated to protection centers in Mangem and Bogia on New Guinea Island, and are living in difficult conditions. The rest of the residents are scheduled to evacuate successively. The Government of Papua New Guinea, while conducting relief operations of its own, sent a letter to the Government of Japan on November 26 (Fri) to ask for assistance as it needs further assistance from the international community.
The Government of Japan has decided to extend this emergency aid out of sympathy for those afflicted by the disaster and in view of the friendly relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea.

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