By Jack Lapauve Jr, EMTV – Port Moresby
Two committees have been established to coordinate relief and assistance to communities affected in Southern Highlands Province.
Governor William Powi says the disaster coordination team will be tasked to assess the damage done to services and see how best restoration will be done.
Governor Powi says the current death toll is at 20 however unconfirmed reports might see the death toll up to more than a hundred. Powi says the devastation is massive and relief and assistance is now the priority.
He said assessment by the coordination team will be critical so relief assistance and medivac of the injured will be carried out.
From the two committees, one will operate out of Mendi while the other in Port Moresby. Meanwhile a businessman in Mendi is urging the public not to sensationalize reports of the disaster.
Governor Powi is urging Southern Highlanders to work together so services can be restored.
The National Government announced a State of Emergency with NEC approving K450 million for Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga and Western Provinces. The Southern Highlands Governor passed his condolences to those who have been killed in the earthquake.
Powi says the earthquake is a natural disaster and the sudden death of many is unfortunate. He says, the Provincial Government will coordinate relief and help restore services to affected Communities.
