Four teams in helicopters and six dinghies were scouring the area for survivors and bodies of the dead. We have no time and resources for the dead. We are worried about those who are alive and those missing who will be needing help. Prime Minister Bill Skate, who visited the disaster area, appeared shocked. He said he had declared a state of emergency in the province and approved the immediate disbursement of K2 million in relief aid.
Cabinet can rectify it later.
There is no time. This is an emergency. Australia, New Zealand, the Catholic church, VSO workers, and about 200 volunteers, and local business houses are pitching in with whatever assistance they can offer. An emergency medical camp has been set up in Vanimo where 160 injured people have already been sent. Forty-five seriously injured people were sent to the Wewak General Hospital in neighbouring East Sepik province.