Oil Search : to partner with donor agencies

PNG EARTHQUAKE 2018

Oil Search to partner with donor agencies

05 April, 2018

Oil Search is continuing its efforts in rebuilding the communities affected by the catastrophic earthquake on February 26 by partnering with international donor agencies.

The Company has brought representatives from the Australia and New Zealand governments, United Nations World Food Programme and Care International to three of the care centre villages to witness first-hand the hardship faced by the people and see how the respective organisations can support recovery.

Accompanied by Oil Search Foundation Executive Director, Stephanie Copus-Campbell the delegation visited Huiya, Dodomona and Walagu villages, to meet with earthquake survivors and understand their needs following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that destroyed entire villages in surrounding areas.

"Each organisation here today brings a different skill set and we want to work together to ensure you are fully supported to recover from this tragedy," Ms Copus-Campbell told the people who gathered at Huiya village.

Two of the most affected villages Huiya, located in Hela province and Dodomona in Western province have been accommodating people from other nearby areas who were forced from their homes and livelihoods. Overcrowding has led to a shortage of food, lack of water and sanitation, high demand for limited health facilities and schools, and diseases such as dysentery.

The donors have pledged to continue the relief efforts. This will include continued food assistance, support to put in place clean water and sanitation systems and the provision of materials to help rebuild infrastructure and gardens.

"Following our visit today (4 April, 2018) we are particularly concerned about poor nutrition especially for children and will work with other organisations such as UNICEF and Susu Mamas to improve access to essential nutrients," Ms Copus-Campbell said.

Oil Search Foundation will also support an immunisation program to the affected areas over the next month recognising the increased risks in the outbreak of diseases such as whooping cough and measles in crowded conditions.

Oil Search has offered space at its warehouse in Moro Camp for donors to store relief and recovery supplies and will also provide logistical support to make sure the supplies reach the disaster areas. The World Food Programme is planning to make Moro its base to distribute food over a four-month period building on Oil Search's efforts to supply food to the most vulnerable populations over the past five weeks.

"We will continue to support donors such as the World Food Programme in the relief effort, while looking at how we can get our communities back on their feet as soon as possible,'' Oil Search Managing Director Peter Botten said.

Oil Search Limited

Incorporated in Papua New Guinea ARBN 055 079 868

"As one of the few organisations in PNG with the ability to provide rapid on-the-ground assistance, Oil Search continues to play a critical role in the relief efforts. To date, Oil Search has delivered more than 200 tonnes of food and supplies, reaching over 200,000 people mostly within remote villages, delivered almost 100 health centre kits and has undertaken more than 1,400 medical treatment cases, including over 55 medical evacuations."

Ends.

For further information, please contact:

Celestine Ove

Senior Communications Advisor Mob: 73954642

Email:celestine.ove@oilsearch.com

Photos

Visiting team looks at statistics collected by Dodomona villagers.

Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Oil Search Foundation Executive Director and Andrew Egan, Australian Government representative speaking to mothers in Huiya village.

L-R; Orlena Scoville - Care International, Christine Conway - New Zealand Government aid, Andrew Egan - Australian Government, Michiel Meerdink - UN World Food Programme, Sally Lloyd - Strickland/Bosavi

Foundation with Stephanie Copus-Campbell - Oil Search Foundation Executive Director speaking to locals in Walagu village.

Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Oil Search Foundation Executive Director speaking with a village leader at Dodomona village.