Attachments
Violence in Enga Province
• Ongoing inter-communal conflict in Wapenamanda LLG – There is currently no active fighting but tensions are high.
• Conflict in the Maip-Mulitaka LLG – A haus krai (funeral gathering) was attacked. At least 12 people suffered gunshot wounds and other injuries. Up to four villages were burned down. The situation is extremely volatile. Detailed information is scarce.
• Conflict in the Tsak Valley LLG – There have been five confirmed deaths. Main road remain open and accessible.
Violence in Kerowagi, Chimbu Province
• At least 3 people were killed and several were injured, Victims were referred to Kundiawa General Hospital and Kudjip Nazarene Hospital.
• Some 450 households were affected, 185 households (1,018 people) were displaced from Kumbal 1 and Kumbal 2 Wards.
• Displaced families are sheltering at Nondugl Station (Jiwaka) and Morma areas (Simbu).
• At least 60 houses were burned down.
• Disruption of education:
• Kumbal Primary School (Jiwaka) is closed.
• Miunde Primary School (Simbu) remains open, but attendance has dropped significantly, affecting 500-700 students.
• Some business premises were looted and vandalized.
• Security and Access:
• Police from both provinces were deployed.
• Peace negotiations are ongoing.
• The Highlands Highway remains open, with police patrols.
Violence in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands
An iInitial clash escalated resulting in 6 deaths.
• Fighting has spread beyond Mount Hagen urban area,
• The use of firearms was observed.
• Mt Hagen Technical School and Mt. Hagen Secondary School have been partly closed.
• An initial police intervention received hostile fire. Reinforcements were requested.
• Community leaders are involved in negotiations.
Nation-wide Polio Vaccination Campaign
• The National Department of Health launched the campaign on 11 August in response to the detection of the virus in an environmental sample from Lae in April prompting the declaration of an outbreak in May.
• The campaign aims to achieve highest possible coverage to avoid multiple rounds of vaccination
• The virus has been detected in a total of 31 samples in Morobe, National Capital District and Western Highlands.
• On 20 August, for the first time, the virus was detected in a case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). The case is a 4.5-year-male, reported as unvaccinated.