'At least 150 dead' in Papua New Guinea floods
Pastor Dale Morgan
*'At least 150 dead' in Papua New Guinea floods*
At least 150 people are now known to have died in eastern Papua New
Guinea in floods triggered by heavy rain, reports from the Pacific
nation say.
Hundreds of people have been displaced, officials say, and a state of
emergency has been declared in the affected area.
Roads and communications in the region have been badly damaged,
hindering the relief effort.
Aid is starting to arrive but health officials say they are concerned
about a lack of food and spread of disease.
'Massive effort'
The flooding occurred after Tropical Cyclone Guba brought severe weather
to the region.
Police spokesman David Terry described the situation in worst-hit Oro
Province as "very sad" and said he expected the death toll to rise.
"We need a massive relief effort to stop people starving," he told
Reuters news agency.
Helicopters began ferrying in aid from the capital, Port Moresby, on
Wednesday.
People have been flocking to Oro's provincial capital, Popondetta, in
search of food and water, local daily The National said, and officials
fear others could be stranded in remote areas.
The Australian government has said it "stands ready to assist" Papua New
Guinea if asked.