Capital city now more exposed to cyclones: Parkop

**Children living at Baruni clearing mud and debris from the road after ground and rocks from the hillside washed down during the rain on Monday evening. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI**

PORT Moresby is increasingly being exposed to cyclone paths and must now ensure structures in the city are resilient to extreme weather conditions, says National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
He told The National that the recent bad weather showed why the effects of climate change must be taken seriously.
“Unusual weather. It shows that we must take climate change seriously as Port Moresby and PNG in general are increasingly getting into the cyclone pathway,” he said.
“For Port Moresby, we must develop a strategy to deal with this increasing bad weather, including having infrastructure that are resilient against extreme weather.
“We had started investment in proper drainage in 2019.
“Unfortunately due to the Covid-19, we could not continue last year. But we will resume this year. “We have planned to upgrade three major city drainage this year and take other measures to reduce the risks of extreme weather.”
Some Port Moresby residents reported extensive damage to their homes as Cyclone Lucas made its way out towards Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Some schools such as the Don Bosco Technical School had to cancel classes yesterday because of transport difficulties faced by students.
School rector Fr Pedro Sachitula informed parents, staff and students that classes were cancelled.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Wagambie Jr called on drivers to exercise caution on the road as the roads were slippery and parts flooded.