KOKODA villagers on east Guadalcanal are still living in tents four months after the April flash flood that washed away many houses.
They live in tents that were provided by Red Cross of Solomon Islands (SIRC).
This small rural community is located within Papagu village boundary one of the bigger village on east Guadalcanal where small communities are situated on.
Red Cross team who visited Oba village this week were told that these people are still living in tents.
“Many of the houses in Kokoda were destroyed and washed away by the furious flooding.
Even food gardens were badly damaged.
“The tents provided has given shelter to the people after the flooding,” Stella Garimani of Oba village said.
Jeff Alexander also from Oba said some of the people in Kokoda are starting to cut timber to rebuild. He also confirmed the people are still sheltering in tents.
Mr Alexander said Oba also received assistance from Red Cross in terms of shelter kits and family kits.
The Red Cross team was there to conduct review on Red Cross Solomon Islands response operation during the disaster.
Kokoda village is located close to the Ngamlibiu river.
The communities within Papagu that were badly affected by the flood were Nadi, Oba and Kokoda.
In another location, at Popoloi evacuation centre people are still living in tents that were provided by NGOs including Red Cross.
Meanwhile, food and water is a major crisis for these communities now and have called on for further assistance on these two essential needs.
By TRIXIE CARTER
