Talasea highway cut off

The Talasea Highway in West New Britain Province is now completely cut off from the provincial capital, Kimbe after culverts and bridges along the highway were damaged by the heavy flooding brought on by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Heavy flooding on Friday night saw the Waraston Culvert being washed away cutting off traffic in and out of Kimbe Town.

This situation was further worsened last night when a part of the Kulia Bridge, near Bola Village was washed away making it impossible for vehicles to cross.

There have also been reports that a major landslide occurred between Harile and Pasiloke Villages blocking off a section of the Talasea Highway.

Provincial Disaster and Emergency Services officials are onsite and monitoring the situation in collaboration with Department of Works and Highways and Talasea District officials.

Member for Talasea, Freddie Reu Kumai, also personally inspected the damage on Saturday.

He called on the Department of Works and Highways and the responsible minister to immediately make available funds to conduct emergency repair works on the highway.