OF THE six areas severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, special focus is being given to locations that are likely to experience further impacts, according to the East New Britain disaster committee.
While the committee had scaled down on relief operations only to the six badly affected areas, more focus was on Rabaul town and Pomio.
ENB disaster committee chairman Levi Mano said Rabaul town had always been prone to natural disasters and requires careful monitoring.
“It was one of the most vulnerable areas of the province,” he said.
Mano added that the town plays a key role in the livelihoods of the people and the team was closely monitoring weather patterns that could cause further damage.
“Rabaul town is the lifeline and centre of life for the people of East New Britaina and we would continue to focus on Rabaul,” he said.
In addition to Rabaul, special attention was also being given to Pomio.
Mano confirmed that areas in Pomio had, over the years, experienced severe food shortages, especially after natural disasters.
This had prompted authorities to maintain closer attention on the area.
“The vegetation and geographical location of Pomio leads us to believe that food shortages may occur,” he said. “The geography and land use in that area showed that after every drought or cyclone, communities usually face starvation for weeks.”
Meanwhile, in Karavi, ward councillors had been conducting counselling sessions for community members, especially victims who had been traumatised by the recent destruction caused by the cyclone.
In Malaguna, where families were displaced after flash floods washed away homes, authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
Director of the provincial disaster office Donald ToKunai confirmed that several displaced families had been taken in by relatives following the disaster.
Mano also highlighted that in the future, the 94 affected areas would be included in the existing 1995 Resettlement Policy as a contingency in case of similar disasters that may require relocation of communities.
