18 Dec 2008

PNG disaster officials say northern coasts more settled - people should be returning home next week

7:39 pm on 18 December 2008

The Papua New Guinea National Disaster Office says the situation in the northern coastal regions is much improved after widespread swamping by waves over the past week.

Martin Mose, the acting director, says an estimated 60 thousand people were displaced by the flooding, with some losing their homes.

He says they're waiting on a weather clearance from the meteorological office but anticipate that early next week they will be able to encourage people to return in most areas.