With full funding from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, OTDF is leading the coordination and distribution of disaster relief supplies to approximately 618 households across the 10 affected villages in South Fly and Fly Delta districts. The relief effort focuses on rebuilding households with essential household goods being provided to help families restore their homes and daily lives.
The distribution began on 2nd March at Lewada Village and Tapila Health Center where the team distributed household items to the communities and medical supplies to Tapila Health Center.
Household & sanitary supplies received by Lewada community
The distribution is expected to take a week with nine more villages and one Health Center to cover. However, the remote location of the furthest village poses a logistical challenge for the team. Despite this, OTDF remains committed to ensuring that all affected communities receive the necessary support.
Additionally, through the guided assistance of health professionals from the OTML Clinic in Kiunga, the relief effort will also provide medical supplies to health facilities within the affected region. This aspect of the distribution aims to strengthen healthcare support for communities recovering from the disaster.
Leading the flood relief distribution is Penias Brown, the Grants, Monitoring & Evaluation Team Leader at OTDF. Speaking on the initiative, Brown stated, “The partnership with the LDS Church allows us to bring much needed relief to the impacted communities. We are committed to ensuring that these supplies reach the most affected households promptly and effectively.”
This collaborative effort underlines the importance of community spirit to stand together and strategic partnerships with development partners in times of crisis. OTDF remains dedicated to supporting the people of the South Fly and the affected communities as they recover and rebuild from the devastating effects of the 2024 flooding.