Heavy rain, flooding cause havoc in Gulf

 By LAZARUS BIRA

HEAVY rain and flooding in Gulf  has affected about 50,000 people and destroyed bridges, roads and airstrips. 

Gulf Governor Havila Kavo said the province was still experiencing heavy rain and flooding and more destruction could occur. 

“The sources of survival have been washed away by floods,” Kavo told a media conference yesterday.

“The continuous rain has affected food gardens, houses in the villages, including households and infrastructures. 

“Water in all sago swamps is relatively high, making it difficult for people to harvest sago.” 

He said the people whose homes had been destroyed were living in makeshift shelter on higher ground or with their relatives. 

“Elementary and primary schools in the affected the areas have been suspended until the situation improves,” Kavo said.

The affected areas are West Kikori, East Kikori, Baimuru, Ihu, Central Kerema, Taurelakekamu and East Kerema. 

Kavo said Gulf needed more funds to assist the flood victims and restore the infrastructure destroyed.

He said the destruction was widespread and would need more than the K5 million relief assistance given to Southern Highlands.

“Now with most infrastructure affected, the K5 million to be shared may not to be sufficient to cater for all the damage done by the flood,” he said.

“I call on the National Government through the National Disaster Centre to work with the newly-established provincial disaster committee to manage and coordinate costing for the disaster.

“On the ground we have presidents of the LLG presidents and their committees to effectively help assist to effectively deliver the services required by the victims.” 

Kavo said the provincial government committed a K500,000 for the victims.