Mt Bagana Update (as at July 20, 2023)
Current Situation:
Emergency evacuation operations are still underway to move locals to the Care centres in Torokina and Wakunai Stations respectively. As of today, registration of people has begun in the Care Centre at Wakunai to determine total number of heads. Emergency medical checks are also being conducted on arrival to check for symptoms of flu, sore eyes and/or diarrhea and medical treatment is being provided accordingly by clinical officers.
Assessment Update:
Aerial assessment was conducted on Tuesday 19 July 2023. A final report is yet to be received from the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO).
Relief Update:
All relief efforts are being coordinated through Disaster Management Teams. Initial supplies of food, water and shelter have been delivered to Wakunai Station and Piva Station in Torokina respectively.
Health update:
Surveillance
• Ruruvu Health care facility has reported increased cases of diarrhea and sore eyes since the disaster happened.
Environmental Health
• For Torokina more work will be needed when the care centre is set up. This includes, setting up the temporary toilet facilities, handwash stations, and assessment of water sources for the people to temporarily use
• However, if the camp is not set up then, the team will have to be deployed to station at Torokina and conduct assessment on all affected areas water sources. This is to identify suitable water sources for people to temporarily use.
• The Health Department’s environmental health team has already set up the WASH facilities at Wakunai care center site. The same set up will be established for Torokina care centre.
• Officers will continue to conduct ongoing health awareness at both Care Centres
Clinical
• Our team of health workers are already on the ground doing clinical assessments and surveillance
Medical Supplies
• Boxes of medical supplies which includes antibiotics, masks, hand sanitizers have been dispatched to Wakunai. Supplies for Torokina will be airlifted tomorrow (Friday 20/07/2023).
Education Update:
The Bougainville Education Secretary has issued a Circular Instruction today with the following instructions:
1. Suspension of Classes
i. All classes at these schools are to be immediately suspended
ii. No teacher is to leave for their home districts
iii. All teachers will be accommodated at the Care Centre in the respective locations in Torokina and Wakunai Districts
iv. Teachers will strategize with the District Elementary Trainer and Officers from Education Headquarters for some teaching and learning to take place during this emergency period.
v. This suspensions notice is in effect for only two weeks to allow us to monitor the situation
vi. If the current situation persists, a submission will be made to the Bougainville Education Board for a longer term suspension
vii. School boards will be allowed to withdraw from school funds to assist their teachers and students for relief supplies.
2. Uplifting of Suspension - the Circular Instruction will cease to apply at 5.06pmBST on Thursday 03rd August 2023.
Schools affected in Torokina District
1. Gotana Primary School
2. Tsitovi Primary School
3. Laruma Primary School
4. Sire’evi Primary School
5. Kawai Primary School
6. Atsinima Primary School
7. Tsitovi Elementary School
8. Korovi Elementary School
9. Reini Elementary School
10. Vitsiou Primary School
Schools affected in Wakunai District
1. Ruruvu Primary School
2. Sisivi Primary School
3. Karauturi Primary School
4. Sisivi Elementary School
5. Siroripaia Elementary School
6. Voko Elementary School
7. Togarau Elementary School
8. Aviro Elementary School
9. Ivu Elementary School
Key Contact Points:
Torokina District Disaster Coordinator – Team Leader: Mr Boniface Wadari 73547081
Wakunai District Disaster Coordinator – Team Leader: Mr Mathew Kusa 72039544
Approved by:
Esther Usurup
Caretaker Chief Secretary
ABG
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