Fallen trees block roads as strong winds hit Madang

THE Madang town coastline was hit by gale-force winds and heavy rain at midnight on Wednesday, leaving roads blocked by big trees that had fallen.
Gusts made strange noises accompanied by louder noises from rough seas and king waves that were heard far inland.
Madang disaster and emergency office acting director Rudolf Mongallee said there were no casualties reported but old trees along the beach front were uprooted.
Mongallee said Ponsiana Street near the Kalibobo Lighthouse was blocked by a large tree and three big uprooted trees blocked the Madang Resort Hotel’s main entrance.
Smugglers Inn Hotel driveway was also blocked off by a huge tree. Several uprooted “Yar” trees lay on the Madang golf course and a few fell on Coronation Drive.
Roofs of some old buildings were blown off.
People living in a settlement at the back of Handy Mart Service Station crowded the service station area when they were told that a tsunami was on the way.
“I have issued warnings about these strong winds and made myself clear for people to stay away from tall trees,” he said.
Meanwhile, the strong winds warnings have continued for the Southern region.
The acting director of the National Weather Service, Jimmy Gomoga, said areas around the Bismarck Sea, Vitiaz Straight and the Solomon Seas would continue to experience gale-force winds.
“It’s not cyclone but very strong winds that come and go,” Gomoga said of the strong winds and gusts in Port Moresby and other major centres.
“People must always check and listen to weather forecasts and warning.”