Papua New Guinea: New commission for disaster risk reduction

The Government of Papua New Guinea will set up a disaster risk reduction body, as announced by the country's ambassador to Japan, Gabriel Dusava, at last week's World Disaster Risk Reduction Conference (WCDRR) in Sendai, Japan.

The body, tasked to liaise with with domestic and international organisations dealing with disaster-related issues, is ready to be implemented once financial matters are approved.

According to Radio New Zealand, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said Pacific island nations must increase their defence against extreme weather event and disasters in the region, such as the Category-5 Cyclone Pam that hit Vanuatu causing widespread damage.