Boat capsizes, 14 missing

By ROSELYN ELLISON and CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
TWO school-aged children are among the 14 people reported missing at sea after their boat capsized early Tuesday morning, police say.
The latest report of mishaps at sea yesterday came as the National Disaster Centre director Colonel Carl Wrakonei revealed that the Government had not allocated any funds this year towards disaster response.
East New Britain police commander Chief Inspector Joseph Tabali said the 14 were made up of nine men, three women and two children.
He said the 14 were travelling from Kimbe in West New Britain towards the border with East New Britain when the boat capsized somewhere between Bakada and Nuwou in the Ulamona area.
He said the disaster offices in the two provinces were aware of the missing 14 people and teams had been sent out to look for them.
Attempts were made yesterday to get a comment from the ENB disaster office.
It is the latest report of people missing or rescued after encountering difficulties at sea.
Chief Insp Tabali again reminded people to heed weather daily warnings before venturing out to sea during adverse weather conditions.
Wrakonei said the national disaster centre had asked for K26 million to be used on disaster response this year.
But it received nothing from the Government.
He met Defence Minister Solan Mirisim yesterday who promised to look into the matter.
“Despite the challenges faced by the nation to assist in disaster management, the Government always stands ready to assist,” Mirisim said.
“The Government had in the past provided funds and mobilised support for various disasters such as the 2015/2016 drought, the 2018 earthquake, the Kadovar and Manam Island volcano eruptions of 2018, the Mt Ulawun volcano eruption in 2019, and the Goilala landslide last year.”
Wrakonei said PNG was located in the Pacific ring of fire making it prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, landslides and droughts.
“Apart from natural disasters, the country also faced economic, health and social issues which make it difficult to swiftly address all at one time,” he said.
“Despite challenges faced by the nation, the Government should take a leadership role in making sure disasters are managed effectively.
“The Government must provide the political support, policy direction, funding and resources to agencies including the NDC to manage disasters.”