Kabwum district authority unable to help victims

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By GLORIA BAUAI
THE Kabwum district development authority (DDA) is unable to help those affected by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake because its treasury office is still closed, says MP Patrick Basa.
“At this time, the authority is not operating out of the government station because all the government buildings were burnt down during the election-related fighting,” he said.
“And with the treasury office not yet opened, the DDA unfortunately is not in a position to assist those affected.”
The epicenter was located in Markham Valley, northwest of Lae.
The impact shook mountains in Morobe, Madang and Eastern Highlands, causing landslides.
Basa told The National that he had received unconfirmed reports of three deaths, including a Grade Three boy in the Deamos local level government.
“We received reports of many landslides across the district but the damage is too early to determine,” he said.
“Some buildings collapsed, including two churches.
“We will carry out a proper investigation and then look for ways to help those affected.”
Meanwhile, the Manalos Aviation confirmed assisting seven injured people after the earthquake on Sunday.
A text message from the company read: “On Sunday, we airlifted six casualties: a female adult from Kabwum, another female adult and four children, youngest being two years old, from Wauko village in Obura-Wonenara.
“Today (Monday), we airlifted a six year old boy with injuries from a landslide at Mala village, also in Obura-Wonenara.
“We recorded a death in Kabwum (husband of the lady we medevaced) and one death also at Wauko.”