An RNZAF C-130 Hercules carrying aid supplies arrived in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea this week, following ongoing volcanic activity at Mt Bagana. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) says foreign aid sent to Papua New Guinea is being distributed across the region.
The Air Force's Hercules and crew dropped 7000 kilograms of supplies into the town of Buka yesterday where 8000 people have been impacted by the volcanic eruption of Mt Bagana.
The drops, paid for by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contained temporary shelters and tarpaulins, as well as food, water containers and water purification tablets, hygiene kits, generators and lighting.
NZDF Air Component Commander Shaun Sexton said other countries were helping move the supplies.
"The stores that we dropped off are being moved by the Papua New Guinea folks, supported by the US forces, and they're distributing down to where they're needed most."
Supplies for communities affected by the ongoing eruption of Bougainville's Mt Bagana, are unloaded from an RNZAF C-130 Hercules. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
The deployment followed a request from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape for international partners to support the Autonomous Government of Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea as they assessed damage caused by the ongoing volcanic activity and responded to locals' emergency needs.
Ash plumes and other volcanic effects have affected communities near the volcano, which began erupting last month.
While no deaths or injuries have been reported, ash fall has posed challenges for food and water security and has caused thousands to be displaced.
Sexton said while there were no plans at this stage for the NZDF to return with further aid, it was always prepared to help its Pacific partners when they were in need.