PNG communities stuggle with El Niño drought

Many parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are feeling the full force of El Niño, with devastating impacts now reported from the Highlands to the coastal provinces.

The prolonged dry spell is now escalating into a national humanitarian concern, affecting water, food, health and livelihoods.

PNG's National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is reporting that bushfires are also becoming an issue as dry bush, kunai grass and forest floors have become highly flammable.

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.

Earlier this month, wildfires on Lou Islands reportedly destroyed at least half of the island's forests, with locals lacking proper resources to contain the fires made worse by the El Niño.

The intensifying El Niño phase will bring exceptionally warm tropical Pacific Ocean conditions in the coming months, the World Meteorological Organisation has warned.

"El Niño is already causing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods in various parts of thre world including the Pacific, and is expected to peak towards the end of this year, with climate impacts continuing well into 2027," it said in an update in September.