14 deaths reported in Chimbu landslips

RECENT landslips in Chimbu have buried at least 14 persons, with only a girl rescued, reports say.
Provincial administrator John Punde revealed the statistics in a disaster report presented to Prime Minister James Marape.
The girl was receiving medical attention.
On Monday, the prime minister visited disaster areas around PNG and did an aerial inspection of landslip- and flood-affected Gumine, Salt Nomane-Karimui, Kundiawa-Gembogl, and parts of Chuave and Sinasina-Yongomugl in Chimbu.
He urged quick responses to help people and restore infrastructure and services.
Marape also appealed to Chimbu finance officers to respond by using whatever money they had in their accounts.
“I do urge you to use the funding quickly, and don’t wait as we will reimburse and replenish the money you use for disaster work,” he said.
“We must respond quicker than later; that is why I have come here to Chimbu after I have visited Wewak, Pagwi, Angoram in East Sepik affected by flooding and an earthquake and Markham in Morobe which were also affected by flooding.
“I appreciate the update and work on responding initially to the disaster for your valiant efforts.
“The Government, through the Department of Works and Highways, will get your road network restored.”
Marape also urged the Chimbu government and districts to use all available machinery to clear the debris blocking roads.
“We will mobilise the money for Gumine and Salt-Nomane roads. For Gembogl, we will use another K5 million on emergency roads and bridge restoration and clearance,” he said.
“We have sent some funding to the Department of Works and Highways, and we have K100 million for the initial mobilisation work.
“I appeal to the provincial works department to do what you can for your people. I hope the Gumine road will be open in two weeks.”
Marape said the initial K100 million earmarked for disaster nationwide would soon be released.
He said Chimbu, Gumine and Karamui would each get K2 million while Chuave and Sinasina-Yongomugl K1 million each.
Contractors have been paid K20 million to fix the roads and infrastructure in Gumine.
The Works Department had put the cost of damages at K221 million.
Chimbu would need about K72 million to return to normal.