Families and communities on Lou Island in Manus Province are facing a growing threat as a devastating bushfire spreads dangerously close to their villages, prompting urgent calls for firefighting assistance to prevent further destruction.
Person on the ground and a local, Ngenge Sasa confirmed that the situation worsened yesterday, October 19, as the flames intensified and moved closer to homes and food gardens by sundown.
With no proper firefighting equipment and limited access to water, Mr Sasa said community members are struggling to contain the blaze with whatever resources they have. Residents have been using containers and buckets to fetch seawater before climbing the mountains to fight the advancing flames.
He said community members have also been working to defend firebreaks in an effort to stop the fire from reaching their villages. However, he affirmed that the flames have crossed firebreaks in some areas, while thick smoke continues to cover the island and villages.
“Homes food gardens and large areas of forest could be destroyed if urgent assistance does not arrive.”
“We urgently appealing to the Papua New Guinea Government and regional partners to intervene before the situation worsens.”
With limited resources and the flames continuing to spread, the four communities on the island are pleading for urgent help before more of the island is lost to the fire.
