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PNG in talks with Aust on drought-aid

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has revealed his government is in talks with Australia over accessing aircraft to drop aid to drought-affected residents.

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Source: AAP


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Papua New Guinea could call on Australia to help parachute in relief supplies to areas crippled by severe drought and extreme frosts due to El Nino.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill confirmed on Monday the country was in talks with Australia and Japan about using aircraft and defence facilities to airdrop supplies to remote areas.

The drought is thought to be worse than the one that plagued the nation in the late 90s - when Australia was actively involved in airdropping food and water supplies.

But the PNG government's response this time around has been more effective, partly due to better roads allowing access to more remote regions.

"People are getting supplies and are able to look after their communities and their families", Mr O'Neill said in Port Moresby on Monday.

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The PNG government is taking it day-by-day and is monitoring the situation closely but will ask the international community for help if necessary.

El Nino has brought severe frosts and very little rain to the region and the drought isn't expected to subside any time soon.

It's believed about two million people could be affected.


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