The United Kingdom has stepped up humanitarian assistance to communities in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Paul Eastwood, visited the province on 25 April to assess the situation and discuss ongoing relief efforts with local leaders and authorities. During the visit, he met with provincial officials, disaster management teams, and members of parliament to better understand how UK-supported aid is being distributed to affected communities.

Relief supplies, including hygiene kits and rice, have been delivered with the support of the Australian Defence Force. Additional humanitarian items were also provided by Australia through its global partnership with the UK, reflecting close cooperation between the two countries in disaster response efforts.

The visit highlighted the significant challenges faced by responders, particularly in reaching remote island and coastal communities across Milne Bay. Authorities reported widespread damage in the region, as well as in Bougainville and parts of New Britain, with many communities in urgent need of assistance.

The UK is continuing to coordinate its response with Australia and other humanitarian partners, working under the leadership of national and provincial governments, including the Milne Bay Provincial Disaster Committee.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Eastwood expressed sympathy for those affected and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to ongoing support.

“Communities in Milne Bay have suffered tremendously from Tropical Cyclone Maila, alongside those in Bougainville and New Britain. I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone impacted,” he said. “Our collaboration with Australia has enabled us to deliver critical relief supplies, and this visit provides an important opportunity to better understand how we can continue to assist recovery efforts.”

In addition to direct aid, the UK is contributing to broader humanitarian efforts through its support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The organisation recently approved an emergency allocation of 250,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to support relief operations in Papua New Guinea.

The funding is aimed at enabling rapid assistance to affected communities by supporting local humanitarian responders on the ground.

As recovery efforts continue, international partners and local authorities remain focused on ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in the aftermath of the cyclone.