Highlights
The Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) estimates that more than 2.7 million people are affected by prolonged drought. This includes 522,000 people in the most severely affected districts.
Priority needs include food, water and agricultural recovery support. With many affected communities living in remote areas, access remains a key issue.
The GoPNG has procured over 2,500 tons of food for affected communities.
The 2015 El Niño has peaked in December and will start weakening in January. Some previously affected areas in the Highlands and Momase regions have received intermittent rains. Other areas along the southern coastal provinces and islands continue to experience lower than average rainfall.
Beyond the initial US$8.5 million (K25 million) allocation, the GoPNG has committed further $58 million (K178 million) from development funds for drought response to be disbursed to affected districts. Affected districts can expect to receive up to $650,000 (K2 million) each to support drought response activities.