Villages hit by earthquake still awaiting relief supplies

THE Kiniambu people of Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik affected by the recent earthquake are still waiting for relief assistance from the provincial disaster response team and the Government.
Kiniambu ward council Daniel Simgawi said more than 1,000 people needed help after their homes were damaged, and gardens buried in a landslip.
“We are still waiting for the disaster team to visit us and get reports. We advised them of the effects last week. They promised to come and assess the damage but we are still waiting.”
Simgawi added that the people needed food after their gardens were destroyed. Some are sleeping in the open.
“With the prolonged wet weather, it’s hard to recover quickly, and we need food and tents for makeshift shelters.
“Many people sustained serious injuries including an eight-year-old boy trapped under a house.
“The Community Health Worker is treating them and will refer them to the district hospital.”
He urged everyone to share sago and other food they have.
“The people were told to preserve little food they have for the next day to ensure no one is hungry. People living along mountain areas must take precautions as they are prone to landslide. “