Families travelling along the Madang–Ramu Highway are being forced to cross fast-flowing rivers on foot following the collapse of key bridges, raising serious safety concerns.
Samantha Koruga, a mother of four working in Goroka, said she and her children had to wade through rivers with their luggage during their recent trip to Madang after heavy rain made bus crossings impossible. She said the situation is especially dangerous for children when rivers rise suddenly.
The Omiya Bridge at Asas has completely collapsed, while the nearby Koroba Bridge is damaged, with only temporary gravel crossings in place. Travelers say conditions worsen during rain, transport fares have increased, and urgent permanent repairs are needed to prevent loss of life.
