Flood wreaks havoc in Markham

By ELLEN TIAMU
FLOODING caused by continuous rain during the past few weeks has damaged food gardens and homes located near the Markham river.
Willie Sokwe, who lives near the Markham bridge, said they could not salvage any food crops from the gardens because they had been under water for a long time.
The people have started planting food crops away from the river but these would take months to mature.
He is calling on government authorities to help them.
Areas affected are Potsi, Markham Bridge, Lupu, Yasua and Labu 1 in Ward Five of the Wampar local level government.
Sokwe said about 1,500 people faced starvation and although their ward councillor and president were aware of their plight, they had not done anything to help them.
Some settlers and villagers plan to visit the provincial disaster office this week to seek help.
Heavy rain in parts of the Morobe province had also wreaked havoc in many communities.