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PNG suffering worst drought in nearly 20 years: PM

Xinhua, August 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is rolling out drought relief to the country's worst affected areas as the pacific nation faces its worst drought in close to 20 years.

Frost had destroyed crops in PNG's high altitude areas of the highland provinces as well as parts of Morobe Providence and Central Province, O'Neill said in a statement.

"Currently, 1,842,000 people have been affected by this extreme weather, of which 1,303,000 are classified as being in the most at risk, Category 4, drought," O'Neill said.

O'Neill's government has previously blamed the worsening situation on the effects of El Nino and climate change.

Responses from authorities will vary from province to province, dependent upon underlying conditions affecting food, water and health shortages.

O'Neill has also asked the country's businesses to be proactive in their communities and support local residents.

"Your customers will reward you with their support in the long run," O'Neill said.

Due to the worsening situation, O'Neill has directed some schools to either reduce house or temporary close.

O'Neill will tour the drought stricken areas on Tuesday and Wednesday before attending the PNG investment summit in Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday.