Hundreds of settlers have been made homeless since an eviction order in the Papua New Guinea town of Madang came into effect on Sunday.
The National newspaper reports that families were seen in town carrying their belongings and taking down what used to be their homes in heavy rain.
The Madang Provincial government advised settlers of the eviction in a recent circular.
The government wants state land for development.
Governor James Yali cited a National Court decision handed down this year, giving him the power to carry out the eviction.
Meanwhile security companies in the town have found it difficult to provide guards to their clients as many of their employees are affected by the eviction.
Securimax says posting for night duty was very difficult as most of their guards were part of the eviction.
