DROUGHT: THE THREAT OF EXTREME DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS in PAPUA NEW GUINEA

 

THE BIG DRY is COMING!

Weather chief Jimmy Gomoga keeps a close watch on the drought model.

THE BIG DRY is here and the Islands will bear the brunt of 'no rain, no gain and most of the pain' says our chief weatherman.

According to the Director of the National Weather Services, Jimmy Gomoga, East New Britain, West New Britain, Manus, New Ireland and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are at risk of developing drought conditions as the country reaches the peak of the annual dry season period.

Gomoga said that most parts of the country have experienced normal rainfall conditions however, the NGI provinces have been hit the hardest by the dry spell since last month.

“We are in the middle of the dry season and the south easterly trade winds are well established right across the country. We’ve had quite a wet dry season where most of the country received normal to average dry season rains except for the New Guinea Islands region.

“Over the past three months, some parts of the NGI region have been very dry especially in East New Britain,” Gomoga explained.

“But while it will pass over in the next three months we are monitoring Manus, New Ireland and ARoB as they are at risk of developing drought.”

The three months drought watch showing the non drought (green) to drought alert (orange) areas in PNG.

The East New Britain Provincial Division of Disaster and Emergency Services has confirmed the conditions experienced in the province noting that people in rural communities and even institutions are suffering and in dire need of water.

The dry spell experienced in the province is referred to as a meteorological drought and is defined as a short dry period without any rainfall and is expected to pass in the next three months.

According to the National Weather Service’s three months drought indicator, parts of Manus, New Ireland and AROB are on drought alert while some parts of Mamose and Highlands region are under drought watch.

Reports from parts of the Chimbu province note the dry spell has affected crop growth and creeks where people are now walking long distances to source food and water.

Gomoga stated that he alerted the National Disaster Center on the possibilities in the future and added that people in these provinces should be on alert.

“Be on alert just to ensure that you have enough water and do report to your provincial disaster offices if anything. As the National Weather Service office we will continue to monitor the weather and keep providing information.”

Meanwhile Director of the National Disaster Center Colonel Carl Wrakonei said that the NDC has not received any reports from the provinces on the need for assistance but confirmed that there are procedures in place where resources can be mobilized to provide relief and support to people in need.

Kaukau disease will be a danger during the drought.