THE National Executive Council has declared a state of emergency in the flood-ravaged Oro province even as it considered a massive reconstruction work in the area that could cost the Government at least K500million.
The NEC met yesterday morning to discuss the current flood disaster and endorsed the declaration of a state of emergency and the immediate release of K50 million for relief supplies.
A cabinet source said the NEC would pump in about K500 million for rehabilitation and reconstruction work.
Sir Michael said he was saddened by the enormity of the situation in the province.
“Continuous heavy rains associated with category 1 tropical Cyclone Guba over the last couple of days had severely affected the entire province.
“Over 145,000 people in both the Sohe and Ijivitari districts had been directly affected by the heavy flooding,” Sir Michael said.
He said major strategic infrastructure had been completely destroyed and would take some time to restore.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet had endorsed the declaration of a state of emergency in the province.
He said cabinet had endorsed the release of up to K50 million at this point to help affected communities.
“We will appoint a controller and a deputy controller to take charge of the situation under the State of emergency Act.”
Sir Michael said the PNG Defence Force, also permitted under the State of Emergency Act on disasters mandated by the Constitution, would play a role in the coordination of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts on the ground.
A police contingent left on the first CASA flight into Girua airport and the second flight with Defence force team comprising engineers, communication specialists and logistics personnel have been deployed.
The Defence Force team would set up communications and assess the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, reports from the province said that food supplies were running low with major supermarkets allowing only one bag of rice per family to be bought.