Disaster office issues fire warning in dry season

 By DOROTHY MARK

Madang people have been warned against burning bushes and rubbish as the dry, windy spell settles in.

The Madang disaster office has begun a campaign to make people aware about the dangers of lighting fires at this time as they can easily get out of control.

Acting assistant director for the Disaster and Emergency Office Rudolf Mongalee said people should take precautions when burning bushes or rubbish.

He said fire would spread fast as conditions were ideal for burning and  destroy homes and properties as has happened in the past.

“This dry season will last for eight or nine months,” Mongalee said.

He said the most affected areas would be the Ramu Valley and the coastal parts of Bogia, Sumkar, Madang and Rai Coast.

He believed inland areas would not be too badly off as chances of rain there were better because of high altitude factors.

Mongalee encouraged people to start planting tapioka and African yam which he said grew better in dry seasons and lasted.

“I am still seeking funding assistances to get some African yams from the  Agriculture Research Institute so we can distribute them to places in need,” he said.

The drought awareness was held at the Usino LLG Government Station and Ramu  township.

Mongalee said the green countryside in Madang was turning brown and strong winds and rough seas were signs of a long dry season. A vehicle full of people was washed into the sea by strong waves on Sunday afternoon when it was passing through the Kalibobo beachfront.

“We are having water cuts now, I am appealing to our people in Madang to start preparing for a big dry season,” Mongalee said.

“People must start prepare for this now than being late.”