Landslide cuts off roads

 SEVERAL roads to Panguna and other districts in Bougainville have been cut off by a landslide following constant downpour and strong winds, police said.

 Central Bougainville Commander Januarius Vosivai said most villages and road links in the Panguna area were affected by the landslide at Pakia Gap.

“A number of houses has been blown down and there are some indications that there might be help needed due to shortage of food, water and shelter,” Vosivai said.

“The strong winds and heavy rain, which started early last week is continuing.

“I am still waiting to be briefed on the food, water and shelter.”

Vosivai said a team of police officers had been sent to the area on Monday to assess the damage.

“There is no report of any casualties at the moment but we will just have to wait and see how far this situation goes,” he said.

“This weather pattern has already caused major damage to road links, cutting off all the small access roads.”

He said about 25 rivers were flooded and nothing had been done about the landslide.