The National Disaster Office is arranging communication, food and water for affected Kaovar islanders after the dormant volcano on the island erupted last week.
While initial food and water relief has been given by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, it is estimated to last only 4 days.
National Disaster Director Martin Mose said they have a 14 day relief plan is in place, and more supplies will be brought in the next 10 days.
The National Disaster office has sent a team to Wewak to begin its 14-day relief plan.
National Disaster Director Martin Mose said they have evacuated the 2,000 residents of the island to the nearby Ruprup island.
Meanwhile, food and water supply along with Tarpaulins for shelter are on a PNGDF Barge that will leave Port Moresby tomorrow for the island.
” We are making sure everything is packed and ready,” said Mose
Minister for Mining and Geophysical, Johnson Tuke said they have a team from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) also flying with equipment to assess the state of the volcano.
” The RVO team are ready,” said Minister Tuke.
Meanwhile, PNGDF has deployed 200 soldiers, Helicopters, 2 boats and a barge to evacuate and also to get communication from the island as it is out of mobile network coverage.
The Minister for Inter Government relations and Member for Wewak, Kevin Isifu said they will continue to get relief to all affected residents. The Three Minister is expected to leave tomorrow for Wewak to assess the situation to report back to the NEC in the coming days.
