PNG Defence Force relocate drought affected people in Western Province

It was confirmed three children died already and one in serious condition from the diarrhoea epidemic in Weam Patrol Post in the Western Province.

Papua New Giunea Defence Force Soldiers Guarding the Border at Weam Patrol Post had declared Weam Primary School a Temporary Care Centre and are relocating people in affected villages to Weam.

Lt Joekari Degg Dwayne who is in command said at Weam the people will have access to Torasi River for water, medical assistants from the Aid Post and the Airstrip that relief supplies can be reached first hand.

The Weam Aid Post was not in operation but the soldiers have brought in Sr Doreen Kumbimu from the Morehead Health Centre early this week to Weam Aid Post to assist the people with medical services.

However Sr Kumbimum was sent back to Morehead this week and there is a need now for medical officers at Weam Aid Post and Lt Degg Dwayne is calling on the Provincial Administration and the Provincial Disaster Centre to address that.

Lt Degg Dwayne said they also need food and water supplies to feed those at the Care Centre.

Meanwhile reports have researched Weam yesterday afternoon that a Team from the Provincial Disaster office and World Vision will be in the area today to conduct surveys of the epidemic and also assist the people.

Lt Degg Dwayne said the people revealed that this will be the second time the Disaster Office send teams to conduct surveys in the area and the people are worried that there was no assistance provided after the first survey.

The people are in dire need of assistance and they cannot wait for another survey report to be done when they are already affected.

Furthermore, Lt Degg Dwayne stated that the relocation is difficult for some distant areas and they will be looking at bringing assistance to them.

He commend his men for assisting the people and assure the people that they will continue to assist them.