PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response

PNG on high alert as El Niño declaration triggers drought response/Photo supplied

PNG disaster authorities have stepped up preparations across the country following the official declaration of an El Niño event, with emergency operations now underway to respond to growing concerns over drought and frost damage.
Provincial disaster offices have been directed to activate their emergency committees as officials gather reports from affected regions, particularly in the Highlands where crops have already suffered heavy losses.
National Disaster Centre director Lason Mana said the National Emergency Operations Centre was activated immediately after the National Weather Service issued its declaration this month.

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He explained that El Niño develops over an extended period and is not considered an immediate disaster, but its effects on agriculture, water availability and rural livelihoods demand an organised national response.

Teams have already been sent to assess conditions in the Highlands, where authorities had earlier raised the alert level before the weather declaration was made official. Provincial administrations are expected to submit detailed assessments to assist the national response.
Southern Highlands and Western Highlands remain among the areas reporting the greatest impact, with widespread frost destroying subsistence gardens and cash crops that many families depend on.
Mr Mana said emergency funding has not yet been approved, with a submission currently before the National Executive Council. While waiting for that decision, the National Disaster Centre is working alongside United Nations agencies, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the National Weather Service to strengthen food and water security as provincial contingency plans are put into action.
"Each province has their own provincial systems and they have their provincial emergency operations centers as well. At the national level, we will be coordinating especially food and water security here."
"We are working with all United Nations (UN) agencies, as they are part of the National Emergency Operations Centre."

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