‘PNG prone to disasters’

PAPUA New Guinea is ranked one of the disaster prone countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
This is according to a study conducted by noted journal Geo-Science Australia for 26 Asia-Pacific countries.
The information was compiled by the national disaster centre (NDC) in its latest report in emergency/disaster management and disaster risk reduction in Papua New Guinea.
The study ranked PNG within the top six countries as having the highest percentage of population exposed to earthquake hazard as well as having one of the highest total populations exposed to earthquake in the region.
PNG was also ranked fourth in having the highest percentage of population exposed to severe volcanic risks.
One of the main focuses of the government was to improve existing early warning systems and enhance community preparedness through public awareness and education programmes.
NDC acting director Martin Mose said the importance of early warning system was important, adding that the increase in population in urban areas would increase casualties in instances of such disasters.
He said it was necessary for people to be aware of natural and manmade disasters and NDC had been vocal in disseminating posters, pamphlets and information leaflets for awareness.