Wei Island willing to take in Kadovar villagers

Wei Island is ready to provide a temporary care centre for people affected by last week’s volcano eruption on neighbouring Kadovar Island in East Sepik, Wei councillor Peter Kamei said yesterday.
“The Kadovar islanders have moved to Ruprup Island. But if there are too many of them and are putting pressure on the food and water resources on Ruprup, then we are happy to take in the extra villagers on a temporary basis,” Kamei said.
He said the islands of Koil, Kadovar, Ruprup, Wei and Bam made up the Schouten Island group.
“We don’t know their current situation because the Digicel network coverage is out so we can’t communicate with the villagers on Ruprup,” Kamei said.
“We believe that they are alright as the PNGDF navy boats are here and are taking relief supplies from Wewak over to Ruprup.”
Kamei said the islanders in the Schouten group relied on network coverage from the Kaian tower in Bogia district, Madang.
Meanwhile, Wewak Police Station commander Senior Inspector James Baugen said two police teams were engaged with the government relief team.
Baugen said one side of the island was burnt out by lava and plume spewed out since last Friday.
“The other side is not affected. So for safety, all the islanders have moved to Ruprup,” he said.