Winds destroy homes and gardens in Southern Highlands

 By JEFFREY ELAPA

MORE than 120 families are homeless as strong winds and rain destroyed their homes at Andira village in South Koroba, Southern Highlands.

Andira 2 councillor Ignatus Ingiti fronted up at The National office with the report and pictures of the damage compiled by different government officers which revealed people were badly affected and now struggling to survive.

He said that heavy rain with strong winds started around 2pm on Dec 24,  and lasted for two hours and covered about 4ha which resulted in 120 families made homeless and destructions to properties.

He said people were in their gardens when the storm hit.

Ingiti said that one person was hit by a falling branch. He was treated but was later discharged from the hospital.

The damage assessment report by government officials stated that huge trees were uprooted while cash crops and garden food like sugarcane, banana and fruit were destroyed.

It stated that Kabili Elementary School classrooms and the Andira Catholic church were blown off while other buildings were damaged by falling trees.

It also stated that 26 bush material houses, two chicken houses with 100 chickens ready for sale and a Lucas Sawmill owned by the Catholic church were destroyed.

Ingiti said that his people are in desperate need and are calling on the provincial and the national disaster office to assist.

He said assistance from organisations and individuals will also be appreciated. 

For more information people or organisations wishing to help can contact David Tarali, a community leader in Koroba, on phone 72176542.