DEAR EDITOR, quoting Radio New Zealand International – March 18, 2018 – “Over 270,000 people in Papua New Guinea are estimated to be requiring immediate humanitarian assitance after last month’s magnitude 7.5 earthquake.
“According to the latest situation report from the United Nations, the priority needs are medicine, tarpaulins and tents, blankets, food and water.
“At least 125 people have died and infrastructure has been severely damaged.
“Around 18,200 people have been displaced and are reported to have converged in 26 informal care centres.
“The UN also estimates that over 544-thousand are affected across the five most affected provinces.
“The provinces are Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western and West Sepik.
“Papua New Guinea’s Health Department says more people will die in earthquake-hit districts if health issues are not urgently tackled.
“The head of Emergency Medicine says that following the 7.5 quake 17 days ago there’s a risk that food and water borne diseases could kill thousands of people.” Copyright: RNZI (All Rights Reserved)
Yours sincerely
FRANK SHORT
