Thousands homeless in Oksapmin
Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:00pm
Flooding has left almost 2,000 people homeless and without food, in
the Oksapmin area of West Sepik province.
Oksapmin Local Level Government Manager, Barry Dikmop, said in a
report through Health Radio Network, that two weeks of continuous rain
caused heavy flooding of the Tekin River, severely damaging
institutions, houses and food gardens.
The worst affected areas are the Oksapmin station, and the
surrounding villages of Tongdup, Kurute, Betianap, Wau-ulap, Gawa
valley, Seventh Day Adventist and Government Stations.
In a report to the Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Health Advisor,
Desak Drorit, said two teachers’ houses in Oksapmin Primary School
have been damaged, and an Elementary school and Church building in
Betianap, are under water.
Mr Drorit further stated, the supply of store goods have also run
out, because of the closure of all air transport services there.
He said the water levels are still rising, and starvation is evident
in most areas.
Mr Drorit said there is an urgent need for food and shelter, for the
displaced public servants and villagers as well.
He has also called for a Government team, to assess the flooding
situation in the area. |
