Manus villages flooded

 By ANGELINE KARIUS

MOKARENG village and Lombrum’s naval base in the Los Negros LLG area on the eastern tip of Manus has reportedly been hit by big waves triggered by Japan’s massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake.

According to a local Bab Korup, both areas were submerged in sea water between 10pm and 11pm last Friday. 

He said there was no permanent damage or loss of lives during the minor flooding although the waterfront in Lorengau town had pools of sea water and mounds of sand. 

“The islands along the northern coastline were not largely affected unlike those located to the east of the Pacific Ocean,” he said.  

It is understood that the Manus government has issued directives to all LLG officers to carry out assessments in their respective areas to clearly identify those least or worst affected by the surge. 

However, according to an ABC report, residents on the island’s northwest coast reported that the sea rose by around a metre in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Governor Michael Sapau said officials were sent to inspect the affected areas, but early reports did not indicate any serious damage. 

“Minor inundation, no major damages,” he said.

PNG National Disaster Centre did predict the minor flooding in low-lying areas of Manus and Wewak on the northeast coast.