Water recedes in Region 8 Communities; Gov’t, APA dispatch flood relief to residents

According to updates provided by the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and the Civil Defence Commission, water has significantly receded in the communities of Waipa, Chinapou, Kaibarupai and other areas affected by severe flooding in Region Eight.

However, the damage to properties and farmland are significant.

The APA stated that as of this morning, Waipa village has seen a drop in water for about 15- 20 feet but the Ireng River is still very high.

It has reported that 90 farms are under water in the Kopinang Village and 47 farms have been destroyed in Itabac while the school was washed away. In Kaibarupaui, an emergency situation was reported as residents are in urgent need of food and other supplies.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido- Lowe, along with a team on Friday (May 19, 2017), visited the heavily flood affected Region Eight community of Chenapou to provide immediate relief to the residents.

The residents have received clothing, food supplies and household detergents. Minister Garrido- Lowe said this will help the residents to survive until the water recedes completely.

According to Minister Garrido -Lowe, a total of 75 residents are affected and supplies will be provided to them for the next three months. “We visited the health post in Kanapang, at Chenapou, they have medical supplies except for diarrhoea, but we are making a list of supplies, and we will send in those supplies that the residents need,” the Minister explained.

The food supplies and clothing were donated by Hope for Nation Foundation while detergents and other cleaning supplies were provided by an entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummmings said her Ministry is assessing the situation to provide immediate medical attention to the residents. 

She explained that there are regional nurses, doctors and community health workers and environmental health workers working along with the residents in the region. However, a team comprising workers from the epidemiology and surveillance departments, environmental health and regional health officer, workers from the vector control and disease control departments and representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO ) will be deployed.

“We’ll use their (PAHO representatives) assessment to assess the situation, the work will actually start when the water recedes. However, we’re preparing flood kits with anti-fungal creams and other medication to prevent outbreaks. We will also distribute brochures with information on safe drinking water,” Minister Cummings underlined.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) continues to provide the necessary assistance for the residents.

A Forward Operation Base will be established at Orinduik to fly in supplies for the other affected communities of  Kaibarupai, Waipa, and Sandhill.

(Photos taken from the APA and CDC social media pages)