A devastating bush fire has destroyed five family homes in Onamuna Village, Obura Wonenara District, Eastern Highlands Province, leaving about 22 people homeless and in urgent need of relief assistance.
The fire occurred on August 26 and was worsened by extremely dry conditions linked to the ongoing El Niño impacts.
The blaze destroyed homes and household belongings, leaving adults, children and an elderly woman without shelter, food, clothing, bedding and other essential possessions.
The affected families are now facing immediate hardship as they seek to rebuild their lives.
Their most urgent needs include temporary shelter materials, food, clothing, blankets, bedding, cooking utensils, water containers and other basic household necessities.
Community members have appealed to government agencies, non-government organisations, churches, business houses, humanitarian organisations and individuals to provide urgent assistance.
They said support in cash or kind would help the affected families recover and restore safe and dignified living conditions.
The appeal comes as communities in parts of the country continue to face harsh dry conditions, increasing the risk of bush fires and placing vulnerable families at greater risk.
Those wishing to assist can contact Linden Anta Keroba on 73695918 or 82449493, or email lindenkeroba7@gmail.com.