Severe weather

ENGINEERS and crews from PNG Power and Water PNG are working to restore services to East New Britain following a large amount of storm damage from tropical cyclone Maila that is developing in the Solomon Sea.
Air Niugini is also engaging with the National Airports Corporation to restore services in airports affected by significant rain and wind.
The chief executive officers (CEOs) of the State-owned enterprises, have confirmed through their boards, and to Kumul Consolidated Holdings, that the restoration of essential services is underway.
Coordination with provincial administrations, police, and other government agencies is facilitating a rapid response to storm activity, and enhancing preparations for other areas in the path of the weather system.
PNG Power’s chief technical officer, Tony Koiri, advised that teams are on the ground working to reconnect affected communities.
“Despite the hazardous conditions, PNG Power staff are maintaining operations at critical sites such as the Warangoi Dam, while repairing fallen lines and clearing storm debris.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we urge the public to stay away from fallen power lines and allow our crews to carry out their work.”
Koiri noted that while some areas would experience prolonged outages due to damaged poles and lines, restoration is progressing in locations where infrastructure can be more readily repaired.
“Where power lines have been knocked down, there will be several days of interruption as new poles are put in place as the weather passes.
“In areas where power supply has been interrupted but infrastructure can be more readily restored, electricity is being restored.
“PNG Power crews are assessing the impact of the damage where the storm has hit and placing additional assets in places that might be impacted by the storm system in the coming days.”
Water PNG CEO, James Young, confirmed that inundation at pumping facilities has caused a shutdown that is being cleared by Water PNG teams.
“The water supply in Rabaul and Kokopo has been interrupted due to damage at some facilities.
“This is worse in Rabaul with only some areas in Kokopo being affected.
“The interruption will be brief and as the storm clears, the area the pumping facilities will be restarted, and this should be within the next 24 hours.”