Famine Relief In West Papua New Guinea

Teachers and students in Membok Village receiving relief supplies

Three months of continuous rainfall in the remote Western Province of Papua New Guinea has caused terrible flooding and damage in the area. Communities living along the Down Fly River and the Iowara region, two areas supported by Mercy Works livelihood projects, are seriously affected.

Water levels have remained high, causing long term flooding damage. Communities are cut off by the high-water levels and washed-out roads, Businesses, that serve these communities, are unable to operate. Food sources, such as vegetable gardens, have been destroyed by the flooding leaving communities without food.

In direct response, Mercy Works is collaborating with the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga and Bishop Joseph Durero SVD to provide Emergency Disaster Relief to prevent famine. Dinghies are being loaded up with food, such as rice, noodles, canned goods, salt and clean water to take to the isolated communities.

An increased number of people are being treated for waterborne diseases including malaria.  “Many people are suffering from hunger and various illnesses, particularly stomach pain and skin diseases. Our dedicated team from the health department is conducting bush patrols to reach those in need. This first-hand information has given us a clear picture of the severity of the crisis. Homes and gardens are submerged, leaving people with no food source and their banana crop is slowly dying. Immediate food distribution is critical.” said Bishop Durero.

Mercy Works has delivered sustainable development projects in the Western Province since 2011. Last year we started a new project partnering with West Papuan refugees to improve their living standards by addressing the root causes of poverty.

“The flooding along the Down Fly River and Iowara region is so acutely dire that our focus is now on the immediate need to prevent famine and help these people rebuild their communities. They are a resilient people, and we are determined to help them.” said Sally Bradley, RSM, Executive Director of Mercy Works.