Thousands seek shelter

 By SHEILA MALKEN

MORE than 8000 people are seeking shelter in the Panguna district office and higher ground in Torokina after flooding and landslides forced them to leave their homes in Bouganville.

Rain and strong winds have been lashing the area for more than a week, with landslides blocking off roads.

The Bougainville Disaster and Emergency Services needs K3 million for relief supplies and to repair roads.

Director of the services Franklyn Lacey said according to his officials on the ground, more than 8000 people were seeking refuge at the Panguna District Office and higher ground in Torokina district. “One of our teams arrived with food supplies at the centre on Wednesday and is now with the people. Red Cross PNG is assisting,” Lacey said.

“The Pakia Gap landslip is three to four metres high but machines cannot be brought in to excavate or take off the soil and stones blocking the roads because bad weather conditions are continuing.

“There are a couple of villages along the river beds in Torokina, South Bougainville, that are affected by flooding, with food gardens destroyed. 

“People along the river strips are now moving up to higher slopes.”

Lacey said they were moving up to the villages at the Crown Prince Range. 

“We are trying our best to reach all the people, unfortunately we still cannot.”

Lacey said once the assessment team had compiled a detailed report about the situation, the disaster office would have correct information of the situation.

“At the moment the disaster headquarters has promised to give funding of about K3 million for the rehabilitation of the road system, which has been affected and for food and other material like cooking utensils and building material.”

Lacey said most of the smaller outer islands were in need of food but cyclone-type weather made it too difficult to deliver supplies in these islands.