NO deaths reported in Mendi flood

Southern Highlands Deputy Provincial Administrator Kenneth Kelei says a mother and some children who clung to a tree to avoid being washed away during the flooding in Mendi yesterday are safe.

He made these remarks following social media posts that pictured the mother and children clinging to the tree that went viral.

He also stated that there have been no reports of deaths, but properties worth thousands of kina have been swept away and some are underwater.

Mr. Kelei mentioned that this is the first time Mendi Town, specifically the Magani area, has faced such severe flooding due to continuous rainfall causing the River Magani to swell.

He said John Kink, the Advisor for National Functions and Disaster, is evaluating the extent of the damage, with a preliminary report expected to be released tomorrow.

He further stated that a comprehensive assessment and report will be conducted once the weather improves, and the conditions are suitable for assessment.