15 houses have been completely razed by the fire that devastated the village of Hanuabada, in Port Moresby, yesterday afternoon.
Locals told Loop PNG that over 200 people are now homeless, as one building can house up to 5 families.
Apart from that, over 6 homes have been partially burnt.
The source of the incident is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, tents have been set up for those affected while the Scout Association of Hanuabada is currently building a makeshift pulley bridge. This is to ferry residents to their homes since the buildings in front, along with the bridge, were destroyed in the fire.
Community leaders, including Dadi Toka Jnr of the PNG Cancer Foundation, national cricketer Rarua Dikana and businessman Lohia Boe Samuel, are moving quickly to address the issue.
The leaders have set a target of K2 million to rebuild the homes as well as clear out debris.
“An appeal account should be set up by tomorrow,” says Toka Jnr.
The community, individuals and corporate bodies have also stepped in to help.
“The response has been overwhelming,” says Dikana.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.