Helping victims of village
Donations are desperately being sought for victims of a huge fire in Papua New Guinea which destroyed 18 homes, damaged 17 others and left hundreds homeless.
DONATIONS are desperately being sought for victims of a huge fire in Papua New Guinea which destroyed 18 homes, damaged 17 others and left hundreds homeless.
The blaze swept through the crowded stilt village of Hanuabada on the outskirts of Port Moresby.
The village homes are clustered close together and can house up to five families.
No lives were lost, but some villagers sustained burns to their hands and feet.
PNG nationals living in Cairns have been quick to respond to the disaster, which has affected the homes and lives of their own families.
“My grandfather’s home and my aunty’s mother’s home faced each other and all my uncles’ homes were affected,” said Kanimbla resident Eugenie English.
“They lost everything. Their houses burnt down and nothing was left.”
The family home of Machans Beach resident Morea Anderson was also affected.
“Her mother’s family house is opposite my grandfather’s house,” Eugenie said.
The Cairns PNG Logohu Cultural Group has launched a relief fund and an appeal for donations to help with efforts in Port Moresby.
“The tragedy has affected the large, local Hanuabada community. Many are devastated by losing much-loved family homes,” Eugenie said.
The appeal is seeking donations of kitchen utensils, bed linen, towels, pillows and clothing, as well as cash to cover freight costs.
Eugenie said more than 400 Hanuabada residents were now housed in tents without water or electricity.
“It’s very difficult and emotional for us. To be honest, our people don’t have much.
“The homes are destroyed, food is very expensive and now they are living in tents.”
She said other villagers in Hanuabada had rallied to help as the homes were burning and Chinese business people and others had been donating essentials.
“The government is going to donate money to rebuild 20 homes and repair others.
“We’re concentrating on things like donations in kind.” Donations can be dropped to 13 Lucy Close, Kanimbla Heights; 74 Reservoir Rd; 14 Kidman St, White Rock or 108 Timberlea Dr, Bentley Park. For more details, call Eugenie English on 0423 504 895, Dona Natera on 0473 008 122 or Boni Minniecon on 0412 362 802.