Milne Bay Islands Recovering from King tides now face food shortage

Disaster authorities in Milne Bay Province are organizing response to assess reports of food shortage situations on islands in the Samarai-Murua District after they were inundated with King Tides earlier this month.

It’s been reported at least one man is missing at sea, two houses destroyed and food gardens devastated from the strong winds and tides in early February.

Ware ward disaster official Mark Laveapa tells NBC Milne Bay this week, the destruction was from effects of Tropical Cyclone Fehi that caused a state of emergency in neighboring Pacific Islands and in New Zealand at the start of February.

Ware Island reported 3-men sailing home from neighboring Basilaki Island saw their canoe capsize, two swam to shore the other went missing. He has still not been found.

On Anagusa Island, they report two houses were damaged by strong winds and most of these islands report their gardens have been destroyed by both strong winds and salt water tides.

Laveape says they had been making do with food from the the grounds not affected but that's in short supply now.

Disaster officials confirm they will make their way to the islands as soon as they can, to investigate and assess these reports for proper response.

Meantime, the local Milne Bay Red Cross branch is organizing a collection of help (wheelbarrow push) to go to islanders affected this Saturday, show them your support as best you can.

NBC/ Pics courtesy of Mark Laveape.