OVER 500 AFFECTED, DEAD FISH WASHED ASHORE IN KAFKAF VILLAGE, KAVIENG
BY RICKY ISRAEL
MORE than 500 people from Kafkaf Village, in the Kavieng district of New Ireland province have been affected with skin problems, sickness, and a strong bad smell from the sea, with a large number of dead fish washed ashore.
The incident was first reported to authorities on 29th December 2025, after villagers noticed large numbers of dead fish washed ashore and dirty, contaminated water in the Larairu lagoon.
This FM100 News contacted the New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and confirmed receiving reports of the situation nd have arrange for a National Assessment team to travel to the location investigate.
New Ireland Provincial Disaster Coordinator Terence Tasia says the team will collect water and soil samples, test for harmful gases and minerals, and check the impact on people’s health, food, and water supply.
Fishing and water use from the lagoon have been stopped to protect the community as nearby villages, including Bura and Panafau, also reported dead fish along their beaches.
The assessment team will also help with relief efforts and prepare a final report with recommendations.
He says further updates will be provided once the assessment is completed, and the Provincial Disaster Committee in accordance with Section 13 of the National Disaster Act 1984 (revised) has voted and declared Kafkaf as an Environment Hazard and Contaminated area unsuitable for human habitation.
the Provincial Disaster Committee in accordance with Section 13 of the National Disaster Act 1984 (revised) has voted and declared Kafkaf as an Environment Hazard and Contaminated area unsuitable for human habitation.
The team includes officers from the National Disaster Centre, the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, and the University of Papua New Guinea.
Nearby villages, including Bura and Panafau, have also reported dead fish along their beaches.
Provincial authorities have already provided water tanks, fuel for water transport, and set up a local disaster committee to support affected families.
The assessment team will also help with relief efforts and prepare a final report with recommendations.
He says further updates will be provided once the assessment is completed.
Meanwhile,
