Papua New Guinea Drought Labeled National Crisis

An extreme drought driven by an historic El Niño is affecting as many as 8 million people in Papua New Guinea, causing widespread shortages of food, water, and electricity. Schools and health facilities are also struggling due to insufficient water supplies.

Residents and community leaders report that rivers and creeks have dried up, and family food gardens—critical for both sustenance and income—have withered. In some areas, families are rationing food to one meal per day, leading to local disputes over resources.

Humanitarian workers note that women and girls are disproportionately affected, often tasked with fetching water and food over long distances. They face heightened risks of harassment and, in some cases, transactional sex exchanges for basic needs.

The PNG National Weather Service declared the onset of El Niño in June, but by then, much of the country was already in drought. Officials warn that the El Niño pattern, intensified by global heating, is shifting weather patterns and reducing rainfall, which is vital for subsistence farmers.

In Morobe province, small rivers have dried up, forcing families to walk miles to collect water. Residents report that their crops have died, and traditional income sources like gold panning are becoming harder to sustain due to water shortages.

Meanwhile, a hailstorm in Enga province damaged crops, worsening food insecurity. In Port Moresby, electricity blackouts have begun as hydropower generation declines, with disruptions expected to last up to 10 months. The government is exploring financial measures to support disaster response efforts.