240117QUAKE HITS BOUGAINVILLE
By Aloysius Laukai in Buin

The major earthquake that hit Bougainville two days ago has damaged properties and caused three deaths in South Bougainville according to the Police Commander/ senior Sergeant JOHN POPUI from the Buin Police Station.

SSergeant, JOHN POPUI told New Dawn FM that two kids are still being dugged out from earth and rocks that fell on the two children a boy and a girl who were swimming at the time of the incident. The 3rd child managed to escape with injuries.

The incident happened at OKOMO village in Buin district.

Okomo village landslip killed two children 3rd one escape with injuries
They are still buried they are trying to retrieve the bodies
Police unable to go to the location because of no road access.
Reports from Kauona village Nagovis says that a small girl seven years of age ,Janet Sipena was picking greens up the Pangara river when stones from another landslip smashed her head killing her instantly.

Police officere POPUI sais that they were waiting for Reporst from Torokina, which was close to the epicentre of the 8 point Quake.

Senior Sergent John POPUI is calling on the people of South Bougainville to report to Police any damages and deaths that the earthquake has caused.

He said that many houses in Buin were destroyed and fell to the ground.

Meanwhile, the Member for South Bougainville Timothy Masiu has already called on the National Disaster Office to support his people in this time of need.

MR.Masiu called from Port Moresby and said that he was monitoring the situation and will support wherever he can.

Ends

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[Bougainville Freedom Movement]

News from Radio New Zealand, today 7 February 2017.

Bougainville Govt struggle to respond to quake impact

The Government of Bougainville says it is struggling to respond to a destructive earthquake that hit the east and south of the main island last month.

The 7.9 magnitude quake claimed at least two lives, caused a series of landslides, wrecked some roads, and left people homeless.

It also impacted on communications.

But the acting Bougainville President Raymond Masono said they still lack a full report on the quake's effect because their disaster agency's activities have been curtailed by a lack of funds.

And Mr Masono said the recovery by the entire Autonomous Bougainville Government was also hampered by the Papua New Guinea National government failing to provide its prescribed funding on time.

"At this time of the year we have not received any grants as yet so we are also in a very difficult situation trying to assess those people, but we are working around the clock to try and find some money so we can assist those people as soon as possible," he said.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/323927/bougainville-govt-struggle-to-respond-to-quake-impact