Shelter is DAGA’s greatest need

A child sits on the stairs of a house whose rooftop was blown away by strong winds caused by Topical Cyclone Maila (Image: Supplied)

Over a month later and people in Milne Bay’s hinterlands say they’ve yet to receive any relief assistance after Cyclone Maila.

Alotau District’s mountain areas suffered flooded rivers and destruction of homes during the April cyclone, reports of people resorting to take shelter in caves have surfaced during this time.

Daga Rural Local Level Government community leader Graydon Puinam tells NBC News, there were 5 deaths, including a newborn, during the 7days Cyclone Maila passed through Milne Bay, one woman was swept away by a fast-flowing river.

He was irked by the slow response by authorities despite, adding while food supply is not an immediate problem, most need shelter after most homes had their rooftops blown off.

Daga is one of 7 LLGs under Alotau District, arguably the hardest to reach.

NBC News raised the issue with district at the weekend, District Administrator Wilson Hilary confirms their response to the other six district is ongoing but Daga remains ther biggest challenge.

He confirms they’ve collected quotes for charter and once confirmed, they will airlift supplies up to Agaun for its mountain LLG.

Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris meantime adds the K1million commitment by National Government to the district has been received and ontop of his DSIP, it is surely and slowly going out.

He says the District Plan is supplying a decent amount to each household to last at least a month, adamant relief to include infrastructure too will still be needed for their estimated K56.4million in damages during Cyclone Maila.