Orphans and widows of the tanker truck that exploded in Mambe Payam of Maridi County last year are calling on the government and humanitarian agencies to assist them as they stuggle to make a living, provide for loved ones and keep their health up in the wake of the disaster.

More than 200 people were killed and 200 were wounded last September when an overturned fuel tanker exploded as crowds of people were collecting from it leaked fuel.

Fuel survivor Henry Maburuk, a father of three children, says since they were discharged from the hospital their health is not good. He says they do not have enough food to feed on.

“Our life is very difficult. My wife died and left me with three children. We the victims of the fuel explosion are in very bad condition. Let the government don’t think that our health is getting better. My children are suffering and we are hungry. There is no money. We are only eating one meal a day,” said Henry.

Lela Ezawa, a mother of eight children, calls on the government to help them by either giving them loans so that they can help themselves with.

“I cannot do anything in this life. Eating has become very difficult to me. Some people are helping me and wash my clothes. I cannot cook, I just stay on chair. Since we came out from the hospital we did not receive any help. We are just surviving on small things that we sell. Getting soaps to wash clothes is very difficult. I just think that why the government is not helping us?” said Lela.

Mambe Payam chief David Malish Johnathan says there are over 600 orphans and widows in Mambe who are suffering from trauma, with insufficient food to eat and healthcare.

“The children who lost their parents in the incident need attention from the government. They need some programs like building schools and hospital to help them at this stage,” he said. 

The chief further called on the government and humanitarian agencies to come down to the ground and help the needy. “I urged the government and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of those people because what has happened last year has affected the community very bad.”

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Red Cross aids Maridi burn victims in 'long healing process' (13 Oct.)