University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Milne Bay Students Union leaders are calling on the government to establish a dedicated disaster relief standby fund, saying such a system is critical to ensure faster response when natural disasters strike.

The students’ union president Jemimah Togumagoma, a final-year law student, said disaster preparedness should include a pre-allocated emergency budget so assistance can be delivered immediately when crises occur, rather than relying heavily on donor partners.

“I really do think there needs to be a standby budget or plan in place in the event that disaster strikes,” Togumagoma said. “Nature doesn’t give warnings, so the government should already have a set fund ready to respond.”

She said provinces such as Milne Bay, which consists of scattered and remote island communities, are particularly vulnerable and require stronger emergency planning and funding mechanisms.

“In Milne Bay, our islands are far apart in the vast ocean. We need emergency funding and a proper response plan so the government can act first before reaching out to donors,” she said.

Union secretary Emmanuella Davies echoed the call, saying disaster management planning and early warning systems must be strengthened for remote communities that are often hardest hit.

“It is very important to have standby plans and systems in place,” Ms. Davies said. “Milne Bay is easily affected by changing weather conditions, and most of the affected communities are in remote outer islands.”

She also referenced reported cyclone impacts on islands including Misima, Woodlark, Kiriwina, and other outer island communities, saying improved warning systems would help residents better prepare ahead of disasters.

“We need proper disaster warnings so our people can be aware and prepare before these events happen,” she said.

The student leaders made the comments following their recent Cyclone Maila relief donation drive, which raised over K1,600 in cash and in-kind support for affected communities.