Kumusi River

Kumusi River Crossing at Wairopi

Aerial view of Kumusi River

Due to its relative proximity to the Kokoda Track, the Kumusi River was often a factor in the Kokoda Track Campaign of World War II. The fast flowing and wide river provided natural barrier from enemy, and gave the soldiers a distinct advantage.[1] There were few bridges, the solid ones were often bombed to break a supply line.[2] Soldiers often had to walk, or use rafts through the powerful current in order to get across[3] Many fatalities were recorded as the current overwhelmed the soldiers.[3] One of the most notable deaths was that of Japanese Major General Tomitaro Horii. After the Oivi-Gorari battle, the Japanese chaotically crossed the river at Wairopi.[4][5] Although his horse already had drowned, Horii opted to try and cross on a raft. He soon fell into the water and drowned.[5]

On 14 and 15 November 2007, Cyclone Guba hit the Oro Province. The Cyclone brought five days of solid rain, causing widespread flooding; the Kumusi swelled to ten times its original width.[6] The flooding destroyed homes, gardens and in some cases, entire villages were washed away.[7] The flooding completely destroyed the provinces vital infrastructure, over twenty-two bridges were washed away, cutting the link to Popondetta.[8] Of the twenty-two, the Kumusi Bridge,[9] a large steel structure was destroyed, with estimated rebuilding costs at K70 million.[8] A replacement bridge funded by the Australian government opened in 2016.

http://www.looppng.com/content/pm-officially-open-kumusi-bridge