This was the plea made by survivors of the devastating tsunami that struck Temotu province Wednesday this week.
Villagers from three villages in Lord Howe Island (Santa Cruz) namely Bamoi, Bonape, Lunelo have pleaded for immediate assistance as their children are suffering from hunger up on a mountain.
Speaking from a location described as Nabowan Mountain, Angella Lapiki told this paper through mobile phone that they desperately needed help.
“We have been here since we run away from the tsunami and we are scared to go back down because we are still experiencing tremors,” she said.
At the background during this phone interview, toddlers and children were heard crying as a mother was overheard shouting ‘please kam savim mifala, oketa pikinin blo mifala hangere’ (please we need help our children needs water, food, clothes and shelter).
Lapiki said they have used leaves for shelter and are eating coconuts and whatever edible to survive.
“Since our homes, gardens and tanks have been destroyed we are left with nothing but suffering, please we need help,” she said.
The villagers are appealing to the Government and other donors to send supplies immediately.
As of last night, it is understood the death toll has reached 10.
An assessment team consists of doctors, health, agriculture, education, national disaster officials and other non-government officials are expected to be deployed to Temotu province last night.
At this stage the number of villages damaged and people missing is still unknown as people are still scattered following the earthquake and tsunami.
The situation on the ground is quiet difficult according to a spokesperson from the provincial government in Lata as they are facing setbacks with logistics and resources to move around to the affected areas.
The tsunami was triggered by a powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near 33 kilometres west-southwest of Santa Cruz Island, just after 12pm on Wednesday.
By Douglas Marau
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