Official: Manam Islanders need food, water

By LORRAINE JIMAL
MADANG disaster coordinator Rudolf Mongallee says Manam Islanders who suffered from the recent volcanic smoke and ash need food and water.
Mongallee told The National that the non-food items could wait as the islanders’ immediate need was supplies of food and water because their gardens and water sources were destroyed.
He said the provincial government was aware of the situation and would make a submission to the Prime Minister today to seek relief funding.
“There has been no communication and dialogue with these leaders for a long time I cannot do anything as there is no funding to assist and we need provincial government assistance so today a submission will be given to the prime minister to help the people,” he said.
Mongallee said the people could not leave the island due to the past issues faced since the major eruption.