RAAF food lift in New Guinea

Two Caribou of No. 38 Squadron, Richmond and two Iroquois helicopters of 9 Squadron, Fairbairn, are flying into remote areas from first to last light delivering rice and fish. Food is flown into Mendi which has a good airfield and is situated in the centre of the distressed area. Kaudep, 20 miles N.E. of Mendi is in the worst area. The famine occured after the failure of Kau Kau crops (which is a type of sweet potato) due to the first drought in living memory of the highlands which was followed by severe frosts which killed off the plants. The RAAF are flying in Kau Kau runners from other areas as well as seed potatoes to re-establish the crops. The food runs are expected to continue for some time as the Kau Kau plants take 9 months to yield a harvest.