Below is an article published by Post-Courier:

Displaced villagers along the coast of Buin, South Bougainville, are still waiting for relief supplies and medication from authorities in Buka.

Late yesterday [03 April 2007], there was no indication whether a Red Cross team would be dispatched to the worst hit area in Bougainville.

Villagers who travelled from Buin to Buka yesterday [03 April 2007] told Post-Courier, the earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale cut out mountain tops destroying villages.

The Kangu Wharf was cracked in the middle with the one half falling into the sea. The cocoa shed at the wharf was also destroyed, locals revealed.

Locals revealed seven metre-high waves pounded the shore, washing away the wharf, houses and food gardens along the coastal villages.

Late yesterday Red Cross officials in Buka were looking for transport to go and assess the situation in Buin.

Travellers from Buin also confirmed a landslide at the section of the Leulo Mountains where the Buin/Arawa Highway was completely blocked off. No vehicles were able to pass through yesterday.

According to the authorities in Buin, many coastal villagers were still residing with relatives in Buin Town and other mountain villages.

In Buka, officials were at loggerheads to send help to Buin as there was no fast transportation alternative. A helicopter company was recently “chased out’’ by the Autonomous Bougainville Government President Joseph Kabui. The only transportation access is by road, which will take a day.

Meanwhile, on Monday [02 April 2007] night residents of Buka Town retreated to the higher grounds of Hahela and Hutjena. The public has been warned to be cautious.