Quake hits ESP

By GYNNIE KERO
A WOMAN and her daughter died and at least 1,000 homes were destroyed when a magnitude-6.9 earthquake hit parts of East Sepik yesterday, as the Government allocates K500 million for disaster relief nationwide.
Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph, who is also in charge of the natural disaster offices, said: “We got reports of an earthquake, the epicenter of which is somewhere in Yangoru Saussia/Ambunti areas. I have instructed acting Commander of Defence Phillip Polewara to order the CO of 2RPIR Moem to use all defence force assets, including vehicles, to help our people.
“Our bilateral partners have been alerted that we will be seeking assistance from them after we get initial reports from the provincial disaster office.”
Reports said a house collapsed and killed a mother and daughter in Timboli, Angoram.
Prime Minister James Marape yesterday announced a funding of K500 million to provide immediate relief to the affected people.
Marape said the K500 mil would be drawn from the 2024 Budget, Connect PNG roject, the District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP), the Provincial Services Improvement Programme (PSIP), disaster funds, plus support from development partners.
“The Office of the Chief Secretary understands the enormity of the situation and is coordinating the whole-of-government approach through a national disaster steering committee to assess and coordinate with the help of National Disaster Office and provincial disaster offices for special interventions,” he said
“This financial mobilisation is aimed at ensuring that the support reaches the communities most in need without delay and restoration is made to areas affected.
“I call on districts and provinces directly affected by these natural disasters to expedite the process of accessing their allocated DSIP and PSIP funds.”
Marape said assessments were being conducted on yesterday morning’s earthquake in East Sepik and parts of Madang provinces.
He mentioned Gumine in Chimbu, as an area of particular concern because the impact of these natural calamities had resulted in the loss of lives.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird who visited Angriman village in Angoram regarding the recent flooding yesterday said teams were compiling reports from all districts affected by the earthquake yesterday.
“We are compiling reports from all districts so that we can formulate an action plan. Our provincial administrator (Samson Torovi) will be declaring an emergency once the report is completed,” Bird added.
Joseph warns: “Small boats should not make sea trips no matter how experienced or urgent you need to travel; and our people must remain calm and take precautions.”