Avoid going out to sea, warns disaster office

THE West New Britain disaster office (WNBPDO) has urged its people to avoid going out at sea.
WNBPDO manager Augustine Wilfred told The National that the province was currently experiencing a dry season with strong winds and rough seas and the people had been advised to take precautions.
Wilfred said the dry season would cause a shortage of water impacting villages, gardens and creating fire hazards for oil palm and cocoa blocks.
“People travelling by boat between Kimbe and Bali Vitu Islands and to Kove and Gloucester areas and even from Bialla to East New Britain should observe all warnings by the weather service,” he said.
Wilfred said safety measures at sea was always important.
“You must have life jackets, enough fuel, don’t overload boats and assess the wind and seas before you begin any voyage, otherwise, refrain from travelling by sea as strong winds and rough seas have continued for the last two weeks now.”
Wilfred also cautioned block owners not to start fires during this time as they would be hard to control and could destroy crops and other valuable plants and structures.
“Those that work in gardens or blocks should control the fire if they’re burning rubbish, otherwise, don’t set fire to bushes,” he said.
“Look after water sources and don’t destroy buffer zones.”