Hela begins El Nino awareness as province steps up disaster preparedness

Mothers from Tani Village in the Hayapuga LLG returning home after fetching water from a nearby creek. A disaster committee has been established to coordinate the province's preparedness and response to the forecast 2026-2027 El Nino. (NBC News)

The Hela Provincial Disaster Committee [HPDC] has been directed to begin public awareness campaigns across the province on the impacts of the forecast 2026–2027 El Niño, following a national directive from the National Disaster Centre.

The awareness campaign is part of a wider preparedness plan that also includes vulnerability assessments, water source mapping, contingency planning and regular situation reporting to the National Disaster Centre.

To strengthen the province's response, the Hela Provincial Executive Council [PEC], during a recent meeting in Tari, formally established the Hela Provincial Disaster Committee to coordinate all El Niño preparedness and response activities.

Governor Philip Undialu said the decision follows the official declaration by the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service [NWS] that El Niño conditions have begun.

“In response, the PEC has appointed Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu as Chairman of the Committee, Provincial Police Commander Mairi Arua as Deputy Chairman, and James Komengi as the Provincial Disaster Coordinator.

“The Council approved the acquisition of 5x 10,000-litre water tanker trucks, mobilization of bore-water drilling equipment to develop new water sources across Hela, installation of water storage tanks at schools, health facilities, churches and other public institutions to strengthen long-term community water security,” he explained.

Governor Undialu said Hela Province is ready to work with the National Disaster Centre and all stakeholders to minimize the impacts of El Niño.

“By acting early and working together, we can reduce hardship, protect lives and livelihoods, and build a stronger and more resilient Hela Province,” he said.