PM extends condolences

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PRIME Minister James Marape has extended the Government’s deepest sympathies to the families of those killed in Good Friday’s landslide in Kundiawa, Chimbu.
Ten people, most of them related, died after the landslide at Kegesuglo, in Kundiawa-Gembogl.
“Amidst the Covid-19 challenge, let me convey the Government’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the grieving families in this time of sorrow,” Marape said.
The natural disaster destroyed homes, gardens, livestock and fish farms located at the foot of Mt Wilhelm. The bodies of the final two victims were recovered on Monday.
The two boys, Anton Grai, 7, and Bolo Kawagle 10, were among the 10 people who were buried alive when the landslide occurred.
The incident occurred at about 9pm after heavy rain caused a buildup of material which rolled down and burst the banks of a small creek that runs through the village, according to Kegesuglo local Vincent Don.
On Tuesday, Don confirmed that the bodies of two elementary students were recovered.
Grai was killed along with his sister Katia Grai and their father Pius Grai, who was a senior teacher at Mt Wilhelm Secondary School.
Don said young Grai’s mother and two older brothers managed to seek refuge on higher ground when warnings were sounded on Good Friday night, however, Grai, his father and sister were caught as the mud and debris from the landslide came through Gowe village.
Don said Kawagle was killed along with his grandmother Paru Kawagle.
Among the dead were Mt Wilhelm Secondary School chief cook Joe Geregl, his wife Cathy Geregl and sons Aloysius and Max Joseph.
A grade five student of Denglagu Catholic Primary School, Fritory Fred, also perished in the landslide. Simbu administration led by deputy provincial administrator Essy Walkaima visited the village to assess the situation.

4 comments

  • Very sad to hear this and my heart goes to all those families and relatives who have lost their loved ones

    I pray for God’s comfort and peace at this time of sorrow

  • Very sorry to hear this, i was heart break when read through
    this. i will pray that Gods peace with with those who lost their love ones..Gods Love on you all.

  • May Gods peace rain down on their relatives and families in this time of grief.

    Very sorry…..

  • May our heavenly father God restore peace and confidence to the remaining families of those victims.

    My heartfelt condolence to also the families at this tough times.

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