Flooding destroys homes

**Locals during inspection and delivery of a few rations and tarpaulin for temporary shelter. – Pictures supplied**

By JACINTA COHLEE
THE Waria River flooding in the Morobe local level government area of Huon-Gulf destroyed at least 265 houses, killed livestock, destroyed garden food and polluted drinking water sources.
According to an assessment report collected by the Huon-Gulf development authority, about 13 wards and 20 schools were affected by the floods.
The river rose about four metres, bursting its banks.
Areas affected were Eya/Gugumi, Bau Auno, Kobo Wainsuduna, Pema, Popoe, Siu, Zare, Aingse, Dona, Anna Sapa, Toyare, Subiyoro and Mou along with the Morobe Technical High School, Eya Primary, Pema Primary, Popoe Primary, Subiyoro Primary, Eu Primary and Toyare Primary as well as some elementary schools.
Based on reports collected, each affected ward requested for a 5,000L water tanks, water containers, carpentry tools and materials.

**Floodwaters inundating villages along the Waria river, Huon Gulf in the Morobe. – Pictures supplied**

The report said casualties and deaths resulted from the flooding although number were not available.
Locals are now facing food and drinking water shortage and there were indications of flu and diarrhoea.
The report said locals urgently needed medical teams to prevent outbreaks of sickness and diseases.
Schools are asking the district development authority and the provincial government and administration to rebuild classrooms and teachers’ houses affected by the flooding.
Morobe administrator Max Bruten said his team would help affected people in districts once all the reports were collected and submitted to the provincial executive council for funding allocations.