Heavy rain wreaks havoc in Menyamya

CONTINUOUS rainfall has caused landslides and flooding in the Kome LLG of Menyamya, Morobe province.
Food gardens, homes and bridges in the villages of Gumela and Asakumdi (ward 8), Helolpa (ward 11), Kenali (ward 12) and Wanangapali (ward 13) were severely affected, Kome LLG manager Desmond Timiyaso said.
He said the Yalkwe River burst its banks and washed away homes, domestic animals and gardens.
Three foot bridges in Wanangapali and Kenali were destroyed.
Mr Timiyaso said a full assessment report would be completed today.
The report would then be submitted to the Morobe disaster office.
He expected an estimated population of 6,000, settled along the Yalkwe River up to Hakwange and Kwaplalim, to suffer from food shortages.
Provincial disaster assistant coordinator Charlie Masangkie said they would respond when Mr Timiyaso’s assessment was received.