Bird calls for El Nino preparedness

East Sepik governor Allan Bird has sounded the alarm in Parliament, urging national preparedness for the El Niño weather pattern forecast between September and October this year, and expected to last through March 2027.

Bird said Papua New Guinea could face severe impacts if swift action is not taken to safeguard communities, food security, and water supplies.

He recalled the devastating 1997 El Niño, when rivers and creeks dried up and food shortages struck the Highlands region.

“The impact of the 1997 El Niño was felt worldwide. Scientists have predicted that this cycle will be much worse than the previous one,” Bird said.

He emphasized the urgency of early preparation, noting that during the 1997 event, 65% of PNG’s rural population was hit hard, while fires across the Indonesian rainforest sent thick smoke and ash drifting over PNG.

Bird called on the government to work closely with institutions such as the National Agriculture and Research Institute [NARI], which has been breeding drought resistant crops.

“I’m happy to note that NARI is working on a lot of drought resistant crops. These need to be planted next month and distributed widely, particularly sweet potato and cassava. If we don’t act quickly, the government will face a very large food bill, and just like 1997, we may be forced to ask the Australian government for help again.”

He also warned of the aftermath: the La Niña period, which typically follows El Niño with heavy rains, flooding, and landslips.

“The science is well documented. I am only echoing what our scientists are saying,” Bird said.
His remarks, delivered during grievance debate, outlines the urgency for coordinated planning and resource mobilization to mitigate the looming crisis.