Heavy rains trigger flash floods, landslips across East New Britain

Torrential rains that began yesterday in East New Britain province have prompted flash floods, landslides and road blockages.

Several homes situated adjacent to waterways have been reported submerged in water and debris in various parts of the province.

The National Airports Corporation [NAC] confirmed that Tokua Airport, the main gateway to the province, is temporarily closed until further notice as runway inspections revealed extensive water‑logged damage and debris accumulated along the runway.

Scheduled flights have been cancelled as the airport facility has been temporarily closed.

The province’s two primary roads, the Rabaul -Kokopo Top Road and the Rabaul -Kokopo coastal road linking the towns, were reported impassable by this morning. Massive landslides and flash floods have blocked off sections of the roads.

Other trunk roads connecting the two towns with outer areas have also been reported to face similar situations.

The Provincial Disaster Office has since issued a warning to the public to take precautionary measures as the torrential rain continues.

The East New Britain Provincial Administration has instructed all 23 Local Level Governments to Coordinate with the provincial disaster office and compile real‑time damage reports from their respective areas.