Highlands Earthquake

UN supports the PNG in quake response efforts

“We are working closely with the Papua New Guinea government to coordinate the earthquake response to ensure that relief supplies and services meet people’s most pressing needs, and reach the communities that need them most,” said UN Resident Coordinator, Gianluca Rampolla.  

Digicel donates over half a million to earthquake initiative

While the initial earthquake saw lives lost and created extensive damage, the aftershocks have continued to cause damage, destruction and stress on the people of the Southern Highlands Province.

Digicel was also heavily impacted during these earthquakes, having 66 of its towers affected within the province on the day of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

A lifetime scar

This is no exception for the victims of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Survivors who were successfully evacuated from Moro shared their encounters in an exclusive interview.

A group of women employed by CDI Foundation were amongst the fortunate who were evacuated by the Oil Search chartered flights out of Moro on Tuesday.

Fear and trauma was obvious in the way they spoke and acted during the interview.

One survivor, Jacklyn Ila, openly shed tears for her family back home.

Musicians unite for disaster Appeal

Tandoa has teamed up with other musicians from Southern Highlands and Hela and is extending the invitation to others.

Tandoa can be contacted on 73627308.

She said those interested can meet with the team tomorrow, Saturday 3rd March at 12 noon to confirm details for a fundraiser concert to be hosted on March 10.

"Let's not point fingers. Let the politicians do what they can do, it's up to them.

“We should focus on what we as little people can do. The little we can do is enough.

Starvation and looting on the rise

Starvation is on the rise and villagers are forced to resort to whatever means possible, even if it means looting or breaking into privately run and owned properties to find food for their families.

Moro based police officer, Joseph Kumin says that about 40 to 50 men from Sisibia village held up 2 security guards at one of Oil Search’s camp and made away with food supplies stored in a container.

Kumin explained, most, if not all of the villages lost their homes, livestock and food gardens and are now faced with hunger.

Appeals set up for Earthquake areas

The PRK Mendi Muruks and the Mendi Rugby League have founded the Southern Highlands Relief Fund to assist victims of these natural disasters.

This callout for donations will begin tomorrow, Saturday March 3rd, at the Apex park, in Boroko, from 3 to 5pm.

These donations will be transported to Mendi town on March 25.

Meantime, on Sunday, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, will launch another appeal for the victims.

The call out will begin on Monday, March 5, with tents set up at the NCDC City hall.

Locals face anxiety and fear

In a phone conversation last night, Isaac Haboro said tremors can still be felt and there are still rumblings underground.

He said all this is new to the people and fear is driving many away from village, which is even riskier.

“There are loud noises like thunder rumbling, underground. We don’t know what this is but people are scared and running away. Some are going by motor/canoe over the lake, others are taking the road. But this is risky. And the more we’re left in suspense, more people will flee to their death,” he said.