Prolonged dry season escalates to ‘national humanitarian concern’

Many parts in Papua New Guinea are feeling the full force of the El Nino weather pattern, with devastating impacts now reported from the Highlands to the coastal provinces.

What began as a prolonged dry spell has now escalated into a national humanitarian concern, affecting water, food, health and livelihoods.

Across Simbu, months of little to no rain have dried up natural water sources. Rivers and creeks that communities depend on for drinking and washing are at their lowest levels in years.

Food gardens are failing. Kaukau, corn, greens and other staple crops are wilting and dying due to lack of moisture and excessive heat. Families are now facing food shortages, with many surviving on one meal a day.

Adding to the crisis are uncontrollable bushfires. The dry bush, kunai grass and forest floors have become highly flammable. Small garden fires or cooking fires are quickly spreading out of control, destroying homes, fences, coffee gardens and livestock.

Bob Tapie , OIC of Monono Sub Health center in Chuave said there is an increase case in flu, cough, diarrhoea and skin diseases as people are forced to drink from dirty water sources.

George Waikai, technical officer of the Simbu Provincial Disaster coordinator warned that if the dry spell continues, the situation will worsen into a major food and water crisis similar to the 2015 El Nino.

Behind these national statistics is the human face of the crisis. In the rural Kureiri village of Elimbari LLG in Chuave District if Simbu a father, James Koma, his wife and their five small children have been left homeless.

Their home was completely destroyed today by a bushfire fueled by the dry conditions.

Only charred posts remain, with smoke still rising from the ashes.

"We lost everything. Our house, our clothes, our bedding and our stored food - all burnt to ashes. We have nowhere to sleep," Koma said.

John Kuman Ward 5 Councilor, Elimbari LLG, Chuave said it is saddened to see the family suffer like this.

He said James is a hardworking father now lost everything.

Councilor Kuman is calling on the Chuave DDA and Simbu Provincial Government to urgently intervene to similar situations in the district.

" Not only James and family but last week similar incidents happened at Gorokabu with seven houses burnt to ashes. The Government must help. Our people need tarpaulins, food, clean water and medicines now", he said.

Provincial Disaster Offices across the Highlands have been urged to conduct rapid assessments and provide immediate relief as the country braces for more dry months ahead.