PNG Seeks K70 Million to Step Up El Niño Preparedness

PNG Seeks K70 Million to Step Up El Niño Preparedness

Papua New Guinea is seeking K70 million from the National Executive Council to strengthen its response to the El Niño weather event, as authorities race to prepare for worsening dry conditions expected later this year. The funding proposal comes amid growing concern that critical government agencies lack the resources needed to monitor and respond effectively.
With the climate pattern already affecting parts of PNG, government departments responsible for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness have joined forces to coordinate response measures. Officials say immediate financial support is essential to ensure monitoring, assessments and recovery planning continue in the months ahead.

National Weather Service Director Jimmy Gomoga told media that his agency alone requires an additional K5 million to carry out its responsibilities during the El Niño period.He said preparations should have been well underway after El Niño was declared several years ago, but repeated appeals for funding and early intervention were not acted upon.
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The weather pattern began taking hold in April, raising fresh uncertainty over the extent of its impact across the country in the coming months.
Mr Gomoga said the additional allocation would enable the National Weather Service to continue climate monitoring, conduct assessments and support recovery activities where necessary.
Limited funding has continued to hamper the agency's operations, particularly as demand for weather information increases during the current conditions.
The National Weather Service has also experienced a reduction in its annual budget, dropping from K5.4 million last year to K3.9 million this year.
With about four months remaining before El Niño is expected to reach its peak, officials say progress on preparedness measures will largely depend on approval of the K70 million funding submission.
"Funding will be used for monitoring, assessments and recovery efforts."

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