Three bodies recovered

Main Stories, National
Source:

The National, Monday November 11th, 2013

 By ZACHERY PER

THREE bodies – including that of a pregnant woman – were recovered from the landslide at Barano, in Eastern Highlands.

The body of the woman’s husband and another person were also recovered by people who were continuing to clear the debris that blocked the Highlands Highway for a few days last week. Locals said the woman was six-months pregnant. 

The search is continuing for the remaining five bodies including two primary school students.

Morobe Governor Kelly Naru visited the families affected by the landslide and gave them K10,000. 

Naru said his visit followed the route of the early missionaries from the Lutheran Church who came to Eastern Highlands and Chimbu.

“I come to give you confidence and strength at this time of hardship,” Naru said. 

He assured them he would support their demand of K6 million in compensation handed to the government but advised them to support their demand thorough proper assessments and reports.

Deputy chairman of the landslide victim Simons Gandi and spokesman Peter Karre thanked Naru for the assistance. 

Naru thanked the search parties comprising soldiers, Covec Construction employees, PNG Fire Services and Works Department employees.