As with nation building support tasks, the PNGDF is able to provide a range of support options to the Government in the event of a national disaster.  PNG is seismically very active and a series of serious volcanic and tsunami events have led to significant loss of life and internal displacement in the decades since PNG’s Independence.

The PNGDF, when provided supplementary or civic action funding, can provide trained, disciplined manpower to undertake a wide variety of tasks as directed.  The ability of Defence to undertake such   duties is restricted to existing military skill sets and in-service equipment.  Disaster relief activities require appropriate national and provincial Government legal and resource coordination mechanisms, as well as sound planning and logistical support processes.  A recent example is the 2005 Manam Disaster in which Defence supported the restoration of water and sanitation services and provided limited Navy Patrol boat transport services to displaced residents.