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Red Cross sends team to support disasters in Papua New Guinea

Two New Zealand Red Cross aid workers will be leaving for Papua New Guinea tomorrow (Saturday 28 January) to support the local Red Cross in helping those affected by a massive landslide and on-going floods.

Dozens of people have been killed, with many more still missing after a massive landslide wiped out entire villages in the country’s Southern Highlands on Tuesday as people slept.

Other areas of Papua New Guinea have been suffering from wide spread and on-going floods.

Bill Olsen and Matthew Poole will be briefed this afternoon and will be leaving tomorrow to assist Papua New Guinea Red Cross with IT and telecommunications as part of its emergency response.

New Zealand Red Cross International Programmes Manager Glenn Rose says: “Papua New Guinea Red Cross are undertaking assessments and supporting those who have lost their homes and loved ones. Both aid workers are experienced and will be in Papua New Guinea for a week.”

For more information contact New Zealand Red Cross Communications Manager Justine Turner on 04 495 0137 or 027 296 96 87

ENDS