Eight days after Manam volcano erupted and the government is yet to lend a helping hand to Papua New Guineans on the island.
Baliau village ward member Michael Rupinae says people have been relying on breadfruit, banana, coconut and other food crops even though these are covered in thick volcanic ash.
“We have been advised not to eat food covered by volcanic ash but our people will suffer without any relief assistance, “Rupinae says.
He says they continue to face water issues and are sometimes lucky to find clean well water.
The Madang Provincial Disaster office says relief assistance at be possible next week.
This week a representative from the National Disaster office visited Manam Island and is understood to have facilitated funding of K50, 000 from the National Disaster Office to Madang.
Rupinae says villages have estimated that food may run out by next week.
Picture Source: Rachel Shishei