Strong winds

Provincial disaster coordinator, Steven Tobesa, made this comment following the loss of two people on Dawson Island on January 25^th. The duo had not heeded bad weather warning and went fishing in a dugout canoe.

They were reported lost soon after by another fisherman.

Tobesa said such incidents are preventable therefore locals should obey weather warnings.

He further warned that strong winds are expected in the waters of Milne Bay in February, March and April.

(Article by Jim John - third year UPNG Journalism student) 

The incident took place between the seas of Sori and Ndrehet village, along the north coast of Manus between 3-4pm.

Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said a 23-footer boat with 60 horsepower electric motor was carrying 17 passengers on board.

Also onboard was a 44 gallon fuel drum, a 40 HP engine motor and personal properties.

The boat was returning from Kali Island after a burial and was heading back to Lorengau town.

Last night’s gale destroyed the Frank family’s Vabukori home as well as blew their roof off, dropping it a few metres away on a nearby hill.

Wari Frank told this newsroom that the house, which was a few feet away from their family home, belonged to her son Kila, who shares it with his wife and three children.

Yesterday, between 8 and 9pm, Kila was spending time with his parents when he decided to check on his house after a particularly large gust, only to be met with the wreckage.

Five others also suffered injuries as a result of houses collapsing from the impact of the wind.

Close to 40 permanent houses were damaged; some had their roofs blown off by winds described by locals as cyclone.

12 extended kitchen houses were blown down including four outhouses (toilets).

A care centre has been set up at the Community Hall for those families affected.

Information provided to this newsroom by Mbuke community in Port Moresby, from reports gathered from their families back home, described it as a cyclone although authorities are yet to issue official reports.

Amongst the damages to properties, sources reported 1 casualty.

The casualty, a child, sustained head injuries after he was hit by a tree. He was taken to Pelipowai Health Centre and later referred to Lorengau General Hospital.

The extent of the damage in other parts of the province is yet to be established.

All flights into Auckland Airport are being diverted because of debris on the main runway caused by strong winds.

The airport said flights were either being returned to their originating airport or Christchurch.

There is no estimated time for when the runway will reopen, it said.

MetService said the winds have eased but would remain strong overnight in Auckland, Coromandel and Waikato.

Civil Defence said it was not activating or mobilising but were standing by to monitor the response.

At least three houses collapsed when they were hit by the strong winds and massive waves.

Kido village is situated off a point behind Rearea village and Gorohu-Manumanu in the Kairuku-Hiri LLG.

Information came in that the villagers, whose only mode of transportation is by sea, have been unable to move anywhere.

Those who were travelling on Sunday reported encountering gigantic waves that they have never experienced before.

They are now calling on relevant authorities, as well as the Central Provincial Government, to attend to their plight.

He said operators of banana boats should take precaution and refrain from traveling in the open seas during times of strong winds.  

“My transport message is clear, let’s enjoy the festive season,” Mumu said.

Despite similar appeals being issued year in, year out, reports of missing boats continue in the maritime provinces.

The role of search and rescue under the transport sector falls under the National Maritime Safety Authority.

CEO of the National Maritime Safety Authority, Paul Unas, said one of its function is to coordinate maritime search and rescue.

The PNG National Weather Service (PNG NWS) has issued a renewal strong wind warning today for all coastal waters of southern PNG.

The strong winds will also affect Daru, and Kerema, including all of Milne Bay Province and its islands, Finschhafen and Siassi islands in Morobe Province, Bogia in Madang as well as West New Britain (WNB).

The PNG NWS reports that strong southeast trade winds will prevail over the forecast waters and inland areas of Western, Milne Bay and WNB.

People living along the coast of the Southern and Momase regions including Manus Province are urged to take precaution when going out to sea.

The PNG National Weather Service has issued a renewal strong wind warning for all coastal waters of Southern PNG to Northern PNG including Vanimo, Aitape, Wewak, west of Madang and all waters of Manus.

Strong southeast winds of 25/34 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 hours causing rough seas and high wind waves.

All small crafts and boat operators are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea.