Key facts
- El Niño has caused frost and drought in Papua New Guinea's Highlands, destroying food gardens.
- Oxfam PNG estimates up to 3 million people could be affected by food shortages.
- Some communities report food supplies may only last two to three months.
- Frost has damaged staple crops like potatoes, impacting both food and income for farmers.
- Water sources are drying up, affecting access to clean water for communities and schools.
Papua New Guinea is grappling with severe food shortages as the El Niño weather pattern triggers prolonged drought and damaging frost across the Highlands region. These conditions have decimated food gardens, which are crucial for both sustenance and income for thousands of households.
Oxfam PNG estimates that up to 3 million people could be affected nationwide, with nearly 2 million in the Highlands alone facing potential hunger. Some communities report that their food supplies may only last for the next two to three months, raising concerns about malnutrition. The National Weather Service attributes the extreme conditions to El Niño shifting rainfall away from the country and reducing moisture levels, leading to temperature drops below freezing in the Highlands at night.
Farmers like John Wankar in Tambul and Martha John in Chimbu have witnessed their vegetable and staple crops destroyed by frost, jeopardizing their livelihoods. The crisis extends to water access, with many rivers and creeks drying up, forcing communities to find alternative sources and leading some schools to reduce operating hours.
While Papua New Guinea is experiencing the most severe impacts, other Pacific nations are also affected, with up to 4.7 million people across the region facing increased risks. National disaster minister Billy Joseph confirmed assessments showing reduced rainfall and moisture stress on food gardens. Prime Minister James Marape has urged provinces and districts to prepare for an extended dry season, emphasizing preparedness over panic.