East Sepik in urgent need of relief supplies

Water tank tipped over by flood water, Angoram District (Picture: Supplied)

Basic supplies of food, medication and fresh water is now desperately needed by flood and earthquake affected people in East Sepik.

Affected villages especially along the Sepik River currently have no safe water drinking sources and food supply, making them vulnerable to water borne diseases and malnutrition.

Despite many talks over recent days, the people are yet to get any form of relief supplies this week as the province prepares for the long Easter weekend.

Local villagers from Kambramba in Angoram told NBC News via a text message this morning that the earthquake on Sunday had severely affected them.

The earthquake only added more to the damages already caused by flooding, a community leader said.

Papindo Group of Companies had donated some food items to the provincial disaster center whilst other businesses and individuals are contributing in cash and kind to support the affected people.

NBC News understands that the office of the Prime Minister yesterday paid K200,000 to a local supplier in Wewak for immediate support.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster office in Wewak confirmed to NBC News that first shipment of relief supplies will be transported to the affected areas by tomorrow [Thursday].