PNG earthquake 2018

Assessments conducted on ground by the International Committee of Red Cross and the PNG Red Cross Society found that clean water and shelter are the highest priority needs.

The International Committee of the Red Cross and the PNG Red Cross Society have been working with the impacted communities in Hela and Southern Highlands provinces in the rebuilding and rehabilitation of their communities.

The destruction has been far reaching, affecting roads, communication, shelters, schools, medical centres, food and water tanks.

Pruaitch in a statement said the aftermath of the disaster has seen ongoing clan fighting, chaos, law and order issues in Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.

Pruaitch raised this concern as the Government’s report was due nine weeks ago.

He said the Government is yet to provide a clear account of the extent of damages and devastation and future plans for the people affected.

EHP Governor Peter Numu, accompanied by provincial administrator Samson Akunai and other leaders, committed K100,000 under the EHP Government Disaster Office for this worthy cause.

Upon arrival at Mendi town, Governor Numu and his team were received by acting Provincial Disaster coordinator Peter Wari and community leaders.

Numu said the province and the country are undergoing tough economic situations so they brought the little that they have from their hearts to their brothers and sisters who have been badly affected by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Following an assessment carried out by the Company’s Community Affairs Department, the team identified extensive damages to water supplies, buildings and solar panels.

The restoration exercise is conducted concurrently with the Company’s relief efforts in the communities of Sisibia, Kaipu and Hebaiya and will continue to other villages over the coming weeks.

The committee said in a media conference that a combined effort was needed to assist locals affected by the disaster.

Committee chairman, Joel Masahimu, said 26 people lost their lives during the earthquake (17 victims) and through aftershocks (9 victims).

He said the earthquake has displaced people, with large numbers gathering in care centres and while the sick and injured are being attended to, there are fears of social implications this could have on them.

The committee is in Port Moresby to rally support for locals back home.

However, thousands remain vulnerable to health threats as they continue to live in crowded temporary settlements with inadequate access to clean water and medical services.

More than 500,000 were affected by the earthquake that struck on 26 February. At least 25,000 people have been displaced, while many communities continue to face compromised water and food supplies, significantly increasing threats of disease outbreaks.

Maybe not in every area, but for the art scene in the country, artists are joining hands to show their power in unifying the community and the people.

Artists for a cause, staged on April 7, not only was the biggest music performance to raise funds but also for the first time, brought on stage a visual artist.

15 years now in his painting career, PNG’s renowned Jeffry Feeger has always loved to paint with music.

Martin Pat, who is also a survivor of the February 26 earthquake, said certain organisations and individuals are taking advantage of this situation by asking for money for services rendered.

The concerned community leader says there are enough issues to be dealt with right now and with businesses coming up with sky high prices for proposals or services rendered is just outrageous.

Pat further supported the emergency controller’s decision to thoroughly process business offers.

Emergency Controller Dr Bill Hamblin mentioned this during a recent press conference, stating that the emergency restoration team is looking to set a post relief effort for work into reviving public service for the betterment of the two provinces.

He said it is important for the administration teams to get to work, adding there is discussion underway with partner organisations for this to eventuate.

The team is in discussion with ExxonMobil to make available buildings for the provinces to carry out administration work.

Emergency Controller Dr Bill Hamblin has revealed that North Fly is one of the worst hit areas.

The disaster has caused many problems now for people in those areas.

Some of those issues include landslides, water logging and gardens which have been washed away, while in other parts water sources have been greatly polluted that people have been going without food and water for days on end.