El Niño-driven drought in Papua New Guinea a ‘national crisis’ as rivers dry up and local farms fail
Summary
An El Niño-driven drought has affected about 8 million people in Papua New Guinea, according to the country’s National Weather Service, with water shortages damaging farms and disrupting schools and health services. A coalition of churches, unions and business groups has called the situation a national crisis, while residents and aid workers report food shortages and long journeys to collect water.Key Facts
- Some parts of Papua New Guinea have received less than a quarter of their usual rainfall since August.
- The National Weather Service declared El Niño in June, when the country was already experiencing drought.
- Many families in rural highland areas are rationing food to one meal a day, CARE International in PNG said.
- Dried rivers and creeks have left some communities without water for drinking, cooking and washing.
- Some schools and health facilities are closing early or limiting services because of water shortages.
- Residents in Bulolo district said dried crops and a lack of water have also made local gold panning harder.
- A hailstorm in parts of Enga province buried sweet potatoes under ice, adding to food scarcity.
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