Two drown in search for water in Hela

Children from Guala, Koroba-Lake Kopiago District, gather at the site of yesterday's tragic drowning. The bodies of the two victims were recovered after one of the children called for help *(Image: NBC News / Peter Wari)*

Two primary school students have tragically drowned in the Koroba-Lake Kopiago district of Hela after a search for drinking water ended in disaster due to the ongoing El Niño drought.

The victims, aged seven and 14, were both students at Guala Primary School in the South Koroba local level government [LLG].

Family spokesman Niki Adali said the school was forced to send students home early at lunchtime due to a severe water shortage affecting the institution.

Following their dismissal, a group of students [all relatives] walked to a nearby swampy area known as Kunu Tuku, where a small body of water had formed.

Adali explained that while swimming, the seven-year-old boy began struggling and started to sink. His 14-year-old relative immediately swam out to rescue him.

“He managed to pull him out and was carrying him back toward the shore, but just before reaching safety, both of them went under,” Adali said.

It is believed the older student succumbed to severe muscle cramps while attempting the rescue.

Police officers from Mobile Squad 22 [MS 22], led by Commander Jonathan Lakaio, visited the scene to assess the situation. Community members confirmed to police that the drownings were accidental and ruled out any foul play.

Stressing the severe impact of the drought on the community, Adali appealed to the Hela provincial government and the Koroba-Lake Kopiago District Development Authority [KLK DDA] for urgent assistance.

He urged authorities to supply water tanks to the Guala community, which hosts the primary school, a Catholic Biblical Centre [CBC] mission station, and the proposed Guala Nursing College.

He also appealed to the National Government for emergency relief, stating that most local creeks and small water sources in the swamp-surrounded area have completely dried up.

KLK DDA chief executive officer Stanley Kotange expressed sorrow over the tragedy, confirming he would present the community's plea to relevant authorities.

“On behalf of the district administration, Hela Governor Philip Undialu, and local MP William Bando, we extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families,” Kotange said.

“The DDA, under the leadership of MP Bando, will assist in ensuring the two children are given a proper burial.”