Oro situation desperate

THOUSANDS of people are flocking into Popondetta town from all over the Oro province in search of food and water and to hear from provincial authorities what actions are being taken to assist victims of the extensive flooding in the province.
Despite efforts by local authorities to distribute food and water to the severely affected areas, a large crowd formed outside the provincial administration office yesterday morning expressing their anger at the authorities for delaying the dispatch of much needed food, medicine and water to the needy.
Sohe MP David Arore, who has travelled to the affected areas, placed the death toll at 75, but authorities fear the number could be higher.
Last night, there were unconfirmed reports of more deaths at Kumusi and Governor Suckling Tamanabae was to visit the area today, officials said.
Authorities in the province fear those who survived the flood but are stranded in the affected areas could die of starvation or illness if help does not reach these areas quickly.
Some food and water were shuttled by helicopter into some of the worst affected villages but the assistance offered so far is seen as inadequate.
Provincial authorities are using the Health radio network to communicate with the districts and are working around the clock to confirm the exact number of deaths so far.
They put the toll of missing people at 54.
Governor Tamanabae said yesterday the PNG Governments and its disaster relief agencies and the country’s security forces did not have the capacity to adequately provide relief to the thousands of people affected by the crisis.
“I am grateful that cabinet had declared a State of Emergency in the province but a massive relief operation, greater than the National Government’s commitment, is urgently needed to save the lives of people affected by the disaster.
“I am urgently appealing to Australian government and the international community, the Red Cross and other relief agencies to reach out to Oro in its moment of need,” he pleaded.
He said that eight days had passed and more people would die if food, water, medicines, shelter and cooking utensils were not delivered to the people quickly.
Jim Andrews, the Assistant Police Commissioner in charge of operations, yesterday confirmed that a contingent of policemen from Port Moresby was preparing to fly into Popondetta to help keep law and order.
He said the influx of people into Popondetta could spark desperate situations and police need to be on hand for such situations.
A senior manager with Price Rite Supermarket in Popondetta said stocks were running out fast and supplies may run out in three weeks.
“People are buying bales of rice and flour, canned fish and meat and we are trying our best to ration the supplies so that the food is equally distributed to the needy people,” he said.
A team of police officers from Popondetta was flown to Oro Bay to provide security for food supplies off-loaded by vessels at the wharf after villagers tried to break open the containers.
The only service station in Popondetta has run out of diesel and petrol and the last remaining kerosene is likely to run out by today as people continued to queue up to make their purchase.