By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Madang
A recent report compiled and released by the Bogia District Administration has recommended the immediate evacuation of the five affected villages on Manam Island, following the recent eruptions.
The report was prepared by the District officer, Sylvester Marep, with the assistance of Iabu LLG Deputy President, Kenny Boli,
The affected people need to be moved to the care centers’ on the mainland while other villages need to be assessed and relocated for temporary settlement.
This is because of continuous unpredicted eruptions on the island that may pose a risk to islanders if there is another eruption.
Based on the report, it also recommended that sufficient food supplies is a priority, to assist the affected islanders.
The most recent eruption has left their food gardens destroyed. Water sources, including their houses, were either destroyed or covered in thick ashes and mud.
“The ash and mud from the eruption have led to the destruction of many houses.” Kenny Boli, the Acting-President for Iabu LLG said.
The report also suggested an evacuation plan to be put in place to assist those people on the island when unexpected eruptions do occur.
“We didn’t eat or take anything with us when the eruption occurred,” an affected islander told EMTV News.
The report also proposed the need to speed up the formation of the Manam Restoration Authority so affected islanders can be permanently resettled.
More than three thousand men, women and children were affected from by the recent eruption on the 23rdof January and prior eruptions since August 25thof last year.
