MELBOURNE, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The El Nino-induced drought in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has developed into a humanitarian emergency with millions of people affected, according to the nation's disaster minister.
Billy Joseph, the minister for health and national disaster services, told a Port Moresby meeting organized by the National Disaster Center (NDC) that prolonged dry conditions are affecting water supplies, food security and health across several provinces.
"This is no longer just a prolonged dry season. Families are running out of safe drinking water, gardens have failed, children are missing school, and our health workers are under increasing pressure. Getting water, food and health support to the hardest-hit communities is the government's immediate priority," he said.
According to an assessment conducted by the NDC, 20 of PNG's 22 provincial-level administrative divisions are in a state of extreme or severe drought. The remaining two have not yet submitted drought reports, Joseph said.
He said that provincial reports estimated that the drought has left around 5.5 million people either affected, exposed or at high risk and that health authorities have reported higher risks of diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, malaria, skin infections and malnutrition.
Port Moresby newspaper, the Post Courier, reported on Thursday that the NDC has called for the leaders of three provinces, including the National Capital District, to take critical measures to save water.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said in its latest update on Sept. 29 that oceanic and atmospheric indices were consistent with a strong El Nino, with further warming forecast for the tropical Pacific through the southern hemisphere spring. ■
