Five days ago, the village of Hanuabada was shaken, as one of the biggest clans in the big village in Port Moresby lost fifteen houses as a result of a fire.
Then on Monday another three houses were burnt down to the ground in another fire bringing the total number of houses burnt to 18.
More than 200 families lost everything in the devastating fires.
This reporter visited the Gunina clan this morning; the scar of the fire left for these people is indescribable; The houses, had memories of generations dating back to the world war two, now all lost in just a couple of hours.
Survivors who hesitated to speak on camera, expressed feelings of hopelessness beyond description; most said that their children would not know the history of their houses, the very buildings that held memories; houses which they pass on from generation to generation.
The three houses that burnt two days later, was on the second boardwalk of the clan.
Seri Ao Nou’s house was situated meters away from the three houses that were burnt down, fortunately her house was spared.
She describes the feeling of dread and panic as she watched her neighbours who are also relatives’ homes burn to nothing.
Meantime, tents have been erected – mobile toilets donated to these victims; however this has only done little to subdue the pain behind their faces;
Oblivious to their surroundings, many of the children, who are survivors of this dreadful disaster are seen still gleefully playing around the tents; wearing clothes donated by kind hearted individuals and organisations.