EX-TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA CAUSES SERIOUS DAMAGE IN WNB

BY RICKY ISRAEL

EX-TROPICAL Cyclone Maila has caused serious damage in West New Britain Province, with Talasea and Balibitu areas badly affected.

In Talasea alone, more than 100,000 people have been affected. Homes, roads, bridges, food gardens and water supplies have all been damaged.

Heavy rain and flooding have washed away important infrastructure. The Kulia Bridge near Bola and Waraston culverts are gone, while the Garu Kimbe road is cut off after three bridges were destroyed.

In Namova, food gardens have been destroyed. Along coastal areas, high sea levels and storm surges are affecting water sources and daily life.

On Bali Island, communities in Kumburi 1 and 2, and on Vitu Island, villages such as Kuravu, Silenge, Goru, Rangu and Lama have also been affected by coastal flooding. Similar damage is reported in Kove and Kaliai island areas.\

In Gloucester District, the Gloucester to Araigilpua road and the Gloucester to Sagsag road via Kilenge are badly damaged, with many crossings washed away.

The Hoskins LLG area is also affected by coastal erosion and road damage at Gavaiva, Moe Kavutu and Makasili to Vavua.
In Bialla, coastal surge around Lolobau has damaged water sources and food gardens.

Inland areas including Noau, Ulamona, Apupil, Baikakea and Bubu have also been hit by flooding and road damage. The Buvusadi Draiwara section remains cut off.

West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Clement Bailey says around 100,000 people in Talasea are still without electricity after eight power poles along the Kimbe Talasea Highway were brought down.

He says relief work is now underway by the provincial works division to clear roads and PNG Power to restore power.
An emergency response plan has been activated, and a report is being prepared for government and donor partners for urgent assistance.

Mr Bailey thanked local MPs and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel for their quick response and support.
He says no lives have been lost so far, but teams are still assessing damage in remote island areas where communication is difficult.

For now, schools across the province remain closed for one week.