Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2003/0121
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Papua New Guinea -- Landslide
Occurred on 1 August 2003

This report is based on information provided by the Papua New Guinea National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) through the OCHA Regional Disaster Response Adviser (RDRA) for the Pacific in Suva, Fiji, as well as media reports.

1. Heavy rain in late July caused extensive flooding in the 5 villages of Wards 17 and 18 of the Konos Local Level Government in New Ireland Province. On Friday, 1 August, landslides caused by the flood blocked sections of the only road into the area. The floods also washed away 10 traditional houses, 1 church, and 1 bridge on the road.

2. The landslides and floods affected more than 600 people, mainly in the villages of Kuluan, Kanamaradan, and Mesi. There were no deaths or injuries, but extensive damage has been caused to local food gardens and cash crops. Villagers are reported to be destitute and have been forced to forage for bush foods and shelter materials. Needs include food supplies, clean drinking water and shelter, but the detailed requirements cannot be quantified until the assessment is complete.

3. The New Ireland Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC) was alerted to the situation a number of days later, after a villager trekked through the jungle to Kavieng, the provincial capital. The PDC despatched two teams on 9 August to assess the extent of damage and determine the level of assistance required. The Provincial Works Department has been instructed to assess damage to the road and bridge, and to take immediate remedial action with the assistance of a logging company operating in the area. Further response, as necessary, will be authorized by the PDC after the teams return with their assessment reports.

4. At national level the PDC has briefed the NDMO, which is monitoring the situation and progress in the response actions undertaken at provincial level. The NDMO considers that the New Ireland PDC has the situation under control.

5. The OCHA Regional Disaster Response Adviser is in contact with the NDMO in Port Moresby, and a second report will be produced if any significant information becomes available. No request for international assistance has been received by OCHA.

6. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

MAP - Papua New Guinea: Landslides - Situation Map

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