The official website of Papua New Guinea national disaster centre

NATIONAL DISASTER CENTRE HEAD CONDEMNS THEFT OF  BOAT     

The Acting Director for the National Disaster Centre, Mr. Martin Mose today expressed disgust at news of the theft of a boat belonging to the West New Britain Provincial Disaster Office.

Mr. Mose pleaded with the community at large to assist with the recovery and return of the boat as a matter of priority. He stressed that, “West New Britain is a Maritime Province so it is not immune to seafaring incidents hence the need for a boat for search and rescue or evacuation. To whoever is in possession of the boat please understand that there are people at sea as we speak, and that there is a risk of a seafaring incident every time a boat is on the water. It is unfortunate that the actions of an ignorant few have endangered the safety of the majority of seafaring people. Please cooperate with provincial authorities and return this valuable asset”, he said.

Mr. Mose encouraged people to be responsible for their actions saying, “Safety like disaster management is everyone’s business. Irresponsible actions such as this may deprive people or boats in distress of emergency assistance.” He also urged people to actively support the Government in protecting such assets as the boat as these contribute to common welfare and safety. Mr. Mose said, “This event is regretful as we understand the boat was purchased using donor funds purposely to enable the Provincial Disaster Office mobility in the event that there is a need for search and rescue or evacuation by sea.” He called on people to respect public property as they would respect property belonging to neighbors or family members.

TSUNAMI WATCH FOR NORTHERN COASTLINE OF PNG  CANCELLED                

A tsunami watch for the northern coastline of Papua New Guinea made earlier this afternoon was cancelled a while ago by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC). This follows the 8.2 Magnitude earthquake that occurred at 2 PM today east of the Kuril Islands, Japan.

A relieved Mr. Martin Mose acting Director of the National Disaster Centre (NDC) said the cancellation was made through Tsunami Bulletin Number 004 issued at 5:23PM.  

El Nino UPDATE          

Papua New Guinea faces a warmer and drier weather outlook for the year together with reduced rainfall due to El Nino conditions.

Mr. Martin Mose, acting Director of the National Disaster Centre today warned families to take heed of the El Nino situation on their emotional, physical, spiritual and financial well-being.

He pointed out that, “According to the December 2006 ENSO Update by PNG National Weather Service the general situation isn’t expected to improve for at least the next 10 months till October 2007. The rainfall and temperature outlook states that those on the south coast of PNG should expect warm and humid conditions, followed by warm and dry conditions for people in Highlands and Mamose, and warm conditions for those in the New Guinea Islands. There is also below normal rainfall for all areas. For those not used to the humid condition, this can prove stressful. Please care for your emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health, and that of your spouse, and family and friends.”

Mr. Mose also stressed that reduced rainfall may put pressure on the supply and demand for water and electricity and, we should act responsibly to use electricity and water wisely. He said the Centre is glad to have the support of the PNG National Weather Service. In addition, we will monitor the situation on the ground through our disaster management partners and respective Provincial Disaster Coordinators”, he continued.