AUTHORITIES in East New Britain (ENB) have confirmed that 94 sites across the province were severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila which swept through the region last week.
An estimated 65,400 people across the four districts of Rabaul, Kokopo, Gazelle and Pomio were affected by heavy rain, flooding, landslides and strong winds.
As part of the immediate activation of disaster relief, restoration of accessibility was prioritised to reach affected communities.
A physical count identified 94 locations where residents were directly impacted.
Assessments were carried out through the normal government mechanisms, from local level governments (LLGs) to district and provincial authorities.
Tragically, 12 lives were lost.
One death was reported in Kokopo, another in Rabaul, and 10 in the Gazelle’s Inland-Baining local level government area.
ENB deputy administrator (corporate services) Nicholas Larme said the provincial team was working tirelessly to reach affected families.
“We’ve done our best to make sure that we console those families who severely affected and provide them with relief supplies,” he said.
Larmes added that relief efforts would continue for weeks to come.
“We will maintain this support for the next month or so, ensuring food and building materials reach the most severely affected areas.’
The Division of Lands and Physical Planning was the first within the provincial administration to donate relief supplies, a gesture publicly acknowledged by the coordination team.
Many families remain displaced, with food and building materials being provided to help them restart their lives.
Relief assistance will continue to flow into communities as authorities work to stabilise the situation and support recovery.
