Abau hit by floods

By ALISON ANIS
ACTING Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu yesterday reported that Abau district and parts of the Kairuku Hiri in Central province have been reportedly hit by floods as a result of heavy rainfalls triggered by tropical Cyclone Guba last week.
Reports from Abau district has confirmed that there has been torrential rainfall in the area and this has resulted in flooding in the main river system in parts of the district.
Dr Temu said he had received reports from the district administrator that his district had been affected by flood waters but he said assessments were yet to be carried out to see if food gardens or homes were washed away by flood waters.
A team was assigned yesterday by the minister to carry out assessment and report back to him for further actions to be taken.
The minister was briefing journalists during a conference yesterday on the commitment made by Australia and New Zealand to help disaster flood victims in Oro province.
He said parts of Gulf province was also hit by strong winds yesterday and warned people along the coast to take heed of strong wind warnings issued by the weather office.
The minister confirmed the Government’s K50 million contribution for emergency and relief assistance in Oro province.
“Oro has become the main focus after a State of Emergency was declared by cabinet but we are also monitoring the situation in Manus and in Rabaraba in the Milne Bay province and relief supplies into these areas are still continuing.