Flood crisis in Middle Fly District

The Middle Fly district is facing a worsening flood crisis due to continuous rainfall feeding the Fly and Strickland Rivers.

Local community leaders Jack Sale said Obo station which is located near the confluence, is severely inundated with drastically rising water levels.

Mr Sale told NBC Online that the water level has risen drastically, similar to the flooding experienced last year.

"The fast flowing current in the river covered the floodplain areas resulting in severe flooding, with Obo station being hard hit," he said.

He said the roads that were previously walkable are now underwater and people are paddling in their canoes to travel from one place to another.

"The flooding has severely impacted their daily life and resources."

Mr Sale said backyard gardens are dying, leading to scarcity and great need for food items, especially sago and other garden products.

Essential infrastructure such as toilets and graveyards are also submerged and locals are now raising concerns about their health.

He emphasized that Kaviananga Primary school has also been closed for nearly six weeks now since the rain started and the area is covered with flood waters.

District Administrator for Middle Fly Petrus, Malongim when contacted said a disaster team was sent out to assess the situation in the area and once a report is compiled assistance will go in.