Morobe and maritime students arrive safely in Lae after UOG evacuation

First convoy of Morobe, New Ireland, and some Sepik students attending University of Goroka arrived safely in Lae tonight (Image: Supplied)

A convoy of buses transporting Morobe and Maritime province students from the University of Goroka has safely arrived in Lae tonight.

The students are now being accommodated at Lae Secondary School, under the coordination of the Morobe Provincial Administration.

Provincial Administrator Max Bruten and his deputy Robin Bazzinuc addressed the students on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso before formally releasing them.

Bruten told NBC News that parents and guardians particularly of Morobe students were already at the school to receive their children upon arrival.

Morobe PA Max Bruten addressing students at Lae Secondary school where some of them will be accommodated (Image: Supplied)

He said students residing within Lae City have been released to their families, while those travelling to outer districts are being kept temporarily at the school under the administration’s care.

Bruten also confirmed that students from East Sepik and New Ireland, who travelled with the Morobe group in the first convoy, are safe and being housed at the school.

A second convoy carrying around 700 East Sepik students in seven coaster buses, 13 Hiace buses, and two Hino Dynas is expected to arrive within the hour.

Meanwhile, the Morobe provincial administration is still at Lae secondary school, awaiting the arrival of the last convoy with remaining Easy Sepik students.