Take precaution when crossing flooded rivers, travellers told

PEOPLE travelling to and from Madang have been advised to take precautions while travelling along the highway because of heavy rain that has caused some rivers to flood, police say.
Madang police commander Supt Mazuc Rubiang said the Yuria River was flooded for almost three days after continuous rain, posing a threat to roads, bridges and travellers.
He said Ramu and Walium police officers had been patrolling the area to make sure that vehicles and passengers were safe on both sides of the river.
Supt Rubiang said police presence at the said location was to prevent opportunist crime from happening, especially to vehicles and passengers.
He advised against small vehicles attempting to cross rivers during this period.
“I travelled to Yuria bridge and saw that the river was flooded,” he said.
“The flood had made it difficult for vehicles to cross the river.
“I call on travellers to be cautious because rain is still continuing.”
Usino-Bundi district administrator Steven Biko also confirmed that the river was still dangerous to cross.
He said the contractor working on the bridge needed to complete work promptly in order for vehicles to use the bridge.