An estimated 10,000 people in West New Britain province in Papua New Guinea have been affected by heavy flooding.
The Post Courier reports initial assessments from the Provincial Disaster Centre suggest several bridges and culverts have been washed away and sections of the Kimbe-Bialla Highway are impassable.
The director, Leo Mapmani, says dozens of villages have been affected and a lot of food gardens destroyed.
Mr Mapmani says the provincial government is to release emergency funds to address the situation.
