Eight families homeless after bushfire in Chuave

Remains of one of the eight houses destroyed by bushfire at Gorokabu community in Chuave district. Kitchen utensils, roofing irons and household items were reduced to ashes. *(Supplied)*

Eight families have been left homeless after a devastating bushfire swept through Gorokabu community in Chuave District of Simbu Province on Saturday.

The fire, fueled by prolonged dry conditions linked to El Niño and strong winds, destroyed eight houses and properties worth over K20,000.

Village Elder, Kaupa Kay, told NBC News the fire broke out in the nearby bush in the afternoon and spread rapidly before residents could contain it.

In addition to the eight houses, three live pigs, five coffee plots and several red pandanus trees - a critical food and cash crop for the community - were completely destroyed.

"No lives were lost; however, families lost all their belongings including bedding, kitchen utensils, school uniforms and stored food", he said.

Community members including affected families gather at the site of the destroyed homes at Gorokabu, Chuave district, appealing for urgent assistance from authorities. *(Supplied)*

Allan Yogori, a victim, said, affected families are now sheltering with relatives and sleeping in temporary bush-material huts.

“We have lost everything. Houses, food, coffee gardens that support our children’s school fees are all gone. We are appealing to the Simbu Provincial Disaster Office, the Chuave District Development Authority and the National Government to come and assist our people,” Mr. Yogori said.

He said the community remains highly vulnerable as the dry season continues, with water sources drying up and the risk of further fires increasing.

Five coffee plots and red pandanus trees - a major source of income for locals - completely burnt by the fire at Gorokabu, Chuave. *(Supplied)*

“This is an El Niño period. We need immediate relief — tarpaulins, food, water containers and building materials. We also ask the Provincial Government to send officers to assess the damage,” he added.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging communities throughout Simbu and the Highlands to take extra precautions during this dry season, as strong winds and dry vegetation have significantly increased the risk of bushfires.