PNG floods expose WWII bombs and shells | NEWS.com.au DISASTER officials in Papua New Guinea's flood-ravaged Oro Province are warning people to avoid unexploded wartime bombs and shells uncovered by surging waters. The province was the scene of vicious fighting between Australian and Japanese troops in World War II. Unexploded bombs and shells lie buried in the war zones where hundreds of diggers were killed. But recent severe flooding has brought Australian troops back to the province to assist in a major relief effort. Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters are due to start flying much-needed relief supplies to flood victims in Oro early tomorrow. The three choppers will join two Royal Australian Air Force Hercules and three Caribou transport aircraft which have been ferrying in supplies to base airfields. The death toll from the flooding has passed 170. Thousands of villagers were left homeless after heavy rains associated with tropical cyclone Guba lashed the province, sending torrents of water and uprooted trees down the rivers. AusAID and other international relief agencies are assisting PNG authorities in getting aid to stricken villagers to prevent feared outbreaks of waterborne diseases or starvation. AusAID field coordinator Bill Costello said no major disease outbreaks had been reported, but injured people in remote areas needed to be evacuated to hospitals and cases of diarrhoea were rising. There were reports of buried unexploded ordnance being exposed by the flooding, he said. "We are trying to get some public information messages out on the radio for people not to touch it." The province's main port was cut off from the provincial capital Popondetta when bridges were washed away. An alternative landing beach was designated at the wartime village of Gona, but a barge loaded with tonnes of relief supplies today failed to get close enough to the shore to lower its bow ramp. Dozens of villagers swam out and hauled water containers and drums of diesel to the shore after the barge's crew threw them into the water.
Looks like PNG is having what the French call the "iron harvest"! They still bring up ammo from both world wars every time they plough a field!
Never ceases to amaze me. Btw, before I forget, Jodi's parents gave us some small items that Jodi's grandfather (DEMS gunner - WWII) traded with WWI veterans in the pub. The items have no provenance as to being in the trenches etc but they are quite remarkable. There's even matches that are of definite 1901 vintage! Also got a badge with Gloucestershire on it. Will take ppics and post for ID.
