Landslide buries homes, gardens

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

MEMBERS of a tribe recovering from the prolonged drought have been hit by another natural disaster – a huge landslide caused by heavy rain.

More than 1400 people from the four clans of the Gena Giuna tribe in Kerowagi district, Chimbu, watched their food gardens, homes and properties buried under the mud avalanche.

Kolaiya village leader Siune Kura and women’s leader Dere Cecillia from Karmel village told The National yesterday that the landslide was a big blow to the people who were slowly recovering from the drought.

Kura, from the Holtokane clan, said they were fortunate in a way because the landslide occurred around 9am yesterday when everyone was outside their homes.

He said the landslide started from Kakande mountain range, running from Kerowagi to Kundiawa.

He said the mud damaged food gardens, five cemeteries, fish ponds, drinking water, pandanus, buildings at the Wabur Elementary School and homes.

Pigs belonging to his clan and Agbukane, Gurmeku, and Yageku clans were buried.

He said no life was lost because everyone fled for their safety when they heard the rumbling noise from the mountain.

Cecillia, the president of the Women-in-Politics Highlands branch, called on the provincial disaster office to immediately assess the damage and help the people.

She said the people were just starting to rebuild their lives after the devastating drought when a second natural disaster hit them.