El Niño drought affects millions in Papua New Guinea
Extreme weather has triggered food shortages, power cuts and school closures across the Pacific nation, according to local groups.
At a glance
- Up to 8 million people affected by drought-related shortages
- Power cuts, school closures and health clinic shutdowns reported
- Local coalition warns of inadequate coordinated response to crisis
An intense drought driven by El Niño is affecting as many as 8 million people in Papua New Guinea, causing widespread food and water shortages alongside electricity blackouts and disruptions to schooling and healthcare services.
A coalition of churches, trade unions and business groups has described the situation as a "national crisis", stating that vulnerable communities lack coordinated protection from the worsening climate impacts.
Why it matters
El Niño-driven droughts pose significant humanitarian risks to vulnerable Pacific island nations with limited resources for disaster response.
Original reporting
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