M'Buke Island Disaster Appeal

Little Eddie  ha recovered and returned to the island. 
Temporary Shelter - have been dismantled

REBUILDING HOMES and LIVES ON M’BUKE ISLAND - A Month on from the Disaster.

I am Flora Pondrilei. I am from the tornado affected island of M’Buke. I live in Cairns, Australia.  I set this page up to raise funds for my people on M’Buke Island, Manus Province in Papua New Guinea.  If you want to know a little more about the disaster, click here. 

Thank you everyone who has already donated and shared this fundraising page with family and friends.  Please keep your donations coming to rebuild our lives.

 Three month on and food shortage has been brought under control through the generous food donations of Manus people. Thank you.
Most of the food and water aid came from around Manus Island.  Thanks to our families and friends in Manus and other parts of PNG, the Disaster Authority on Manus Island and all of you for donating through this page. FOOD supplies are now manageable.  People are slowly returning to their gardens and going fishing though they still fear that the winds might return without warning as they did on the morning of May 5th. We need you help with shelter and the rebuilding of our small island community.

WATER  Sojitz Corporation of Japan, we can't thank you enough for the desalination plants that still provide us with the cleanest water supply. 

 SHELTER

The village men have managed to build temporary shelter for some of those whose homes were decimated. Others have moved in with relatives.  And some live in tents.   An assessment by  the Provincial Disaster Authority estimated the cost of rebuilding homes at approximately AU$500 000.  A source on the island said approximately PGK7million (AU$2, 845,290) is needed to rebuild a resilient M’Buke. As well as rebuilding of felled houses; mitigation measures are needed to prevent landslides and the effects of rising sea level. We need your help to build a community that is resilient and can withstand the impact of natural disasters, climate change and rising sea levels.

OUR NEEDS:

·       Adequate and resilient homes and infrastructure

·       Sanitation

·       Long-term food security

·       Emotional aftershock and trauma support

·       A viable economy.

I am unable to put a prize tag on our needs as they are too great. Your donation will go a long way to help us meet some of these needs.

This is my cousin, Niambuai. Her house was the first to collapse. She and her grand children are among the homeless - seen here in the makeshift kitchen. 

WHO ARE WE?

M'Buke Island is one of the most remote island communities on Manus Island. The island has a population of approximately 557 people. The people are self-reliant and rarely go to the outside world for assistance except to the M’Buke Diaspora in other parts of PNG and abroad. Families contribute towards the building of homes and the raising and educating of children. Building materials are imported from other parts of Manus Island and from mainland PNG. This disaster however is far too great for the Diaspora to handle alone. I appeal to all of you to donate to help the M’Buke Diaspora rebuild homes and lives on the island.

 
PLEASE DONATE and SPREAD THE WORD.

Some of your donations have gone towards the following:
Initial food relief $650
60 Eco stoves $2200 purchased
Balance plus future donations will go towards the rebuilding of M'Buke Island Women's Club House - This club house will provide a safe haven for the women and children of M'buke. It will also serve as a well-being centre. It will be a place designed by women for the needs of women and children.

The M'Buke women in Australia have incorporated M'Buke Island Diaspora Australia Inc.  This association's objective is to advance the health, education, cultural, social and welfare needs of the women. men and children on M'Buke Island, Manus Province through programs and projects. MIDA Inc, will raise funds to meet its objectives.

MIDA Inc. is incorporated in Queensland Australia. It will be responsible for raising funds and acquitting all funds received. 

If you have donated and wish to see our financial records, please email - [email redacted]. 


Flo with Gratitude.
M’Buke Island Diaspora Australia Inc.