O’Neill: We will never know how many died

By HELEN TARAWA|PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill told a special sitting of Parliament yesterday that the exact number of deaths from the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Feb 26 will never be known.
O’Neill said the estimated death toll was more than 160 but many were still missing.
“This is compounded by the fact that many bodies will not be recovered from the landslip,” he said.
“There have been thousands of injuries some more serious than others.
“People with more serious injuries have been medically evacuated by Oil Search, the PNGDF or commercial helicopter to Tari and Mendi hospitals.”
Public Health Authorities in Hela and Southern Highlands have been asked to provide lists of medical equipment including drugs and dressings they needed.
He told Parliament the financial situation of the disaster relief efforts was manageable despite logistical challenges.
“We are making continuous headway in the relief effort with most affected villages reached and more remote sites now being targeted,” he said.
“Logistical challenges are being overcome even with the withdrawal of Australian and New Zealand air assets.”
He said the Oil Search commitment would continue and the government would fund supplies which clearly meant an increase in costs.
He said additional helicopters were required to sustain the scope of relief effort.
O’Neill said invoices were being scrutinised to ensure they were consistent with purchase orders, until tenders were arranged under long-term arrangements. “Effort is being made to ensure care centres have adequate
water and medical facilities,” he said.
“We are endeavouring to maintain cohesive contact with all partners and ensure a coordinated response to the disaster.
“With a view to the rehabilitation and replacement phase of the restoration effort, specialist assistance has been sought to assess the condition of all social and economic infrastructure.”