By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Madang
Reports from the Madang Provincial Disaster office have stated that Yassa village on Manam Island was badly affected by the recent volcanic eruptions than the other villages. Provincial Disaster Director, Rudolf Mongalle, says his office and a team of officers visited the island and have prepared a report that will be presented to the Provincial Disaster Committee.
Mongalle, says he is trying to seek assistance from the Provincial Administration to supply food rations to Yassa Village for at least a 6 months period. The Provincial Disaster Director stated that the eruption has destroyed food gardens and water sources for the islanders.
The recent eruptions has spewed out more volcanic ash, stone and thick smoke; from the eruption, lava flow affected Yassa, Dangale, Boakure, and Kualung villages.
The Provincial Disaster Office is planning to seek assistance from the Provincial Administration to assist the islanders with food rations for the time being as it will take several months for islanders to replant and harvest their crops again.
Last Wednesday, a team of officials visited the island and assessed the damages caused by the eruption. A report on the extent of the damages will be presented to the Provincial Disaster Committee soon, and assistance will be based on the report provided.