Recent flash floods in Aitape claims thousands of Kinas worth of damages for schools affected.

Various educational institutions were severely affected by the flooding of several major rivers within the Aitape District last month (February).

The schools that were directly affected and under water from over flooding were Raihu School of Nursing, St. Ignatius Secondary School, Areki Primary School in Malol, Aitape Primary School and Aitape Vocational Training Institute.

These were the most affected as they had river water and excess swamp water overflowing into their classrooms, kitchen and messing halls, staff houses, ablution blocks and office areas.

According to an update report sent to the office of the Member of Aitape-Lumi District from the District Administration, it stated taht Areki Primary School was the worst affected losing K71, 000 worth of school materials.

While Aitape Primary School and Vocational Training Institute have yet to resume classes for almost five weeks.

Teaching staff of all schools were also affected as their cooking places were swamped by the flood waters making it difficult to find dry firewood. Food crops in nearby gardens were also damaged.

Apart from school institutions, the Raihu District Hospital has also reported damages of office equipment worth more than K50, 000 in terms of computers, stationaries and other equipment.

Road access along the main highway from Wewak to Aitape and to Vanimo has also been difficult for travelers as parts of the road have been badly damaged. Steel runners for the Ringarup Bridge at Paup were washed away, however have been replaced with temporary runners for accessibility. A fallen tree along Makopin Village in East Sepik Province not allowed to be removed by villagers, has cause inaccessibility into Wewak and a large land slip at Mitiki-Tamlongo Creek at Poro along the route to Vanimo has also blocked off access to the Provincial Capital.

According to District Administrator, Timothy Teklan without any road access and also aviation services for several months, the people of Aitape are quite badly affected in terms of store goods supply such as food and other essentials.

He added that the only access to get these goods into Aitape is by sea, however with bad weather it has been very difficult for store owners and especially the people.