East Sepik told to brace for El Niño impact

Governor Allan Bird has urged communities in East Sepik to prepare for the looming El Nino, warning of serious impacts on food and water supplies.

Speaking to NBC News during an awareness campaign on radio, Governor Bird said prolonged dry conditions will deplete garden food, while rivers and streams could dry up, affecting fresh drinking water and fish supplies.

Bird said his office has begun water drilling projects to secure reliable freshwater sources. Plans are also underway to introduce desalination plants for coastal villages and islands.

The provincial adminstration is working to distribute drought-resistant sweet potatoes and other resilient crops to help families sustain food security.

Bird said he will formally seek National Government support during the July 2026 Parliament sitting to call for urgent assistance to strengthen East Sepik’s preparedness.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon caused by warming in the Pacific Ocean that disrupts weather patterns worldwide. In Papua New Guinea, it often brings drought, food shortages, and water stress.

The last major El Niño in 1997 affected almost the entire country, leaving communities struggling with crop failure and water scarcity.

Governor Bird emphasized that early action is critical, urging communities to take the warnings seriously and plan ahead to safeguard food and water supplies