BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
COMMUNITIES in North Vella, Western Province, have begun receiving much-needed relief supplies following the recent devastation, with initial food delivered yesterday by the Western Province Provincial Disaster Operation Committee.
A Disaster Rapid Response Team departed Gizo with three boats carrying 120 bags of 20kg rice, marking the first wave of assistance to affected villages.
Distribution started from Supato and continued through to Iriqila at the northern tip of Vella Island.
Residents turned out in large numbers to meet the team, with emotional scenes unfolding as supplies were delivered.
Some elderly community members were seen in tears as relief reached their shores, signalling hope after days of hardship.
Team Leader Willie Atupio, speaking to community leaders during the distribution, said the supplies were intended as temporary support while communities await a larger relief effort.
“My team is here to provide these bags of rice to sustain you until the main supplies arrive. It is not enough, but we hope you appreciate the efforts currently being made by the provincial disaster committee,” he said.
Atupio said the Western Province Provincial Disaster Operation Committee is working closely with the National Disaster Committee to coordinate a broader response.
“This is the least we can do, as our capacity is limited to meet all the support expected at this time.
“We will come back with more supplies when things are ready,” he said.
Atupio acknowledged the patience and cooperation of communities during and after the severe cyclone.
He said assessment teams are on the ground collecting data to support the upcoming large-scale distribution of food and other essential supplies.
Atuio urged community leaders to work closely with assessment teams to ensure accurate information is gathered.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, describing it as a significant relief amid ongoing challenges.
Chairperson of the Iriqila Disaster Committee, John Maelagi, said the arrival of the team brought reassurance to his people.
“On behalf of our community, I would like to express our appreciation for your efforts and commitment to reach us. Seeing your team is a huge relief and shows that our province is thinking about us,” he said.
Maelagi said many families in Iriqila have lost food gardens, homes, and other properties due to the disaster.
“Our gardens are buried under fallen trees, and access roads are blocked. Our houses are destroyed, our church damaged, and our market house is gone. But we thank God that we are all alive,” he said.
Similar sentiments were shared by Johnston Ariri of Supato village, who said the assistance came at a critical time as food shortages worsen.
“Like other communities, we lost our gardens. Salt water carried by strong winds has destroyed most of our crops.
“With this support, we will slowly rebuild our lives,” he said.
Ariri acknowledged the Western Provincial Disaster Operation Committee for the timely respond.
An elderly resident from Paramata, Jenifer Litu, also highlighted the impact of saltwater intrusion on local food sources.
“Our potato and cassava plants have withered and died. We have been surviving on fallen bananas. I’m very happy that we have now received food supplies,” he said.
The provincial government is expected to roll out a larger relief operation in the coming days as assessments are completed.
Photos: Supplied
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