Drought leaves Kapao families eating once a day

Families in Kapao in Menyama District are eating just one meal a day, drinking dirty creek water and struggling to send their children to school as a prolonged drought destroys food gardens and dries up water sources across 11 wards.

A drought assessment report prepared by Kapao LLG Drought Committee member Jackson Apa on October 2, 2026, warns that the situation could worsen without urgent government and humanitarian assistance.

“The situation remains critical and is expected to deteriorate without rapid interventions,” the report states.

The drought began in May, with little rainfall recorded across Kapao Local Level Government. The report says 11 of the 15 wards are affected, with Otete and Langimar facing the most serious conditions.

Community wells and water tanks have dried up, forcing villagers to walk two to four hours to collect water from creeks. The remaining water is described as muddy, contaminated and unsafe to drink without treatment.

The Kanakaimanga government station, four aid posts and seven primary schools have also run out of stored water.

Health facilities have recorded 36 cases of diarrhoea among children under five and 52 cases of water-related skin diseases. Of the skin disease cases, 34 were reported in Otete and 18 in Langimar. No drought-related deaths have been reported.

Food shortages are also worsening as gardens of kaukau, taro, bananas, cassava and vegetables have dried up. The report warns that little food is expected from gardens over the next three to four months.

The drought has also affected livestock, with reports of broiler chickens dying in Kamiakaka Ward because of a lack of water and feed. Pigs and dogs have also become malnourished and developed skin diseases.

Schools are facing growing challenges, with student attendance falling by 30 to 50 per cent across affected schools. Some children are missing classes because of illness and the need to collect water, while students and teachers are drinking untreated creek water.

The report warns that schools could be forced to close if water supplies run out completely.

Apa and the drought committee are calling for urgent food assistance, safe drinking water, medical supplies and water treatment tablets. They have also recommended emergency health and nutrition teams, school feeding programmes and long-term water projects, including boreholes and rainwater harvesting.

The report urges the Morobe Provincial Administration, Menyamya District authorities and humanitarian partners to support the response before conditions deteriorate further.