Emergency in ESP

The National Main Stories

By GYNNIE KERO
A STATE of Emergency has been declared for East Sepik following widespread damage and deaths from Sunday’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake, recent floods and landslides.
Provincial disaster committee chairman Samson Torovi, also the provincial administrator, yesterday said the state of emergency would remain in effect until further notice.
The quake hit at around 6am about 38km from the Ambunti station. People as far as Goroka in Eastern Highlands also felt the tremor. So far:

  • A WOMAN and her daughter were reportedly killed when their home collapsed in the aftermath of Sunday’s earthquake, with at least 1,000 homes destroyed.
  • NINE people have been missing since Tuesday in waters between Madang town and the Raicoast coastline after their boat capsised in rough seas, according to Madang police commander acting Supt Robert Baim. Seven passengers including a skipper and a crew were on board; and
  • SEVEN people are missing along the coast of New Ireland after their boat capsised in rough seas. Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph said nine people left Kavieng for Emirau Island. Two managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm.

Sepik River villagers who lost homes need clean and safe drinking water.
Local Gideon Marlow said: “People in this part of East Sepik have been suffering from high floods destroying their gardens, and Sunday’s quake was double-trouble.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said: “While dealing with widespread flooding, we were rocked by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that damaged most parts of the province. We are still assessing the impact.
“Samaritan Aviation and the Provincial Health Authority were dealing with the injured and, sadly, we have several casualties already.”
He said the East Sepik government had authorised K5.6 million and deployed emergency health care to be followed by relief efforts this week.
According to Bird, the immediate needs of the people include:

  • MEDICAL assistance for the injured, which is ongoing;
  • CLEAN drinking water for which we intend to buy 5,000 water filters and buckets from the USA and, hopefully, get the US Embassy to assist us fly them over urgently;
  • CANVAS for shelter, which we are in the process of sourcing;
  • RELOCATION of people to safe, higher grounds;
  • FOOD supplies which we intend to source locally; and
  • BUILDING and kitchen utensils to aid in rebuilding efforts after the flood subsides.

“We welcome any emergency assistance from our traditional partners if they are able to do so,” Bird said.
Wewak MP Stanley Muts Samban said: “The safety and well-being of our people are our utmost priority, and my office is working with local authorities, emergency responders, and agencies to assess the extent of the damage and provide immediate assistance to those in need.