drought

The province is currently facing threats of a drought, which could have severe consequences for both the environment and the local communities.

In the case of Madang, the potential drought threat could impact agriculture, fisheries, and hydropower generation. Already there has been continuous power outages resulting in water cuts, because water supply pumps need power supply to generate water in town.

The long dry season that continues to this day has dried up steams, and rivers and destroyed food gardens.

The President of Tufi LLG Luke Nunisa shared his people's struggle with the drought, saying they need access to clean water and food.

“The start of the drought season has hit the district hard since May of this year, and it has been three months. My people’s livelihood remains hanging in a balance,” he said.

Nunisa said the drought has contributed to the spread of airborne diseases and increased lifestyle diseases.

The long dry season that continues to this day, has dried up steams, rivers and destroyed food gardens.

The President of Tufi LLG Luke Nunisa shared his people's struggle with the drought, saying they need access to clean water and food.

“ The start of the drought season has hit the district hard since May of this year, and it has been three months. My people’s livelihood remains hanging in a balance,” he said.

Nunisa said the drought  has contributed to the spread of airborne diseases and increase lifestyle diseases.

On Tuesday, level two restrictions were enacted in the capital of New South Wales (NSW), a state 99.9% in drought.

These could be increased to level three within months, local media report.

Temperatures are predicted to soar above 40C (104F) from Tuesday, worsening fires which have already killed six people since October.

There are now more than 100 fires in NSW and Queensland states, many of which have been burning for several weeks.

What are the water restrictions?

Local member William Samb said they have received a report from the Catholic Church alerting them of the situation.

Samb said a budget has been drawn up including this (emergency) specifically as well as for the medical assessment on ground.

But he said receiving funds was the cause of delay.

Speaking to Loop PNG this morning, Samb said he is aware that the funds into the district treasury should be confirmed today.

He said according to the budget, at least K50,000 each should be allocated for the two exercises.

Most of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will experience temperatures close to the limits of survivability by 2100, without emissions reductions.

The research says the fraction of the population exposed to dangerous, humid heat waves may reach 30 percent.

South Asia is home to one-fifth of the world's inhabitants.

Wet bulb threat

Most official weather stations around the world measure temperature with two thermometers.

Parts of PNG has been battling flooding in recent weeks but there is still a need for relief in the wake of the drought, which lasted until March after beginning almost a year ago in some areas.

The UN's resident co-ordinator in PNG, Roy Trivedy, said data appears to show thousands still face food security issues.

He said with help from other organisations like the World Food Program and UNICEF, they would shortly start delivering food and nutrition supplies, mostly in the Highlands but also to parts of Milne Bay.

You must have concrete evidence, says PM O’Neill

I am not going to allow the Office of the Prime Minister to be demeaned, questioned when they are false allegations.

http://www.looppng.com/content/you-must-have-concrete-evidence-says-pm-o%E2%80%99neill

Police confirms 12 deaths after plane crash in Kiunga

Twelve people, including three children and the pilot, who crashed on Wednesday, are all confirmed dead.

The El Nino-linked drought, which began in the middle of last year, affected many parts of PNG.

It is unclear how many people have died, but a teacher in one village told the ABC five people, including children, lost their lives, and another said locals felt forgotten.

Since the middle of last year, PNG has been experiencing its most severe El Nino-induced drought since 1997-1998.

Rain in many parts of the country helped fill waterways and replenish some of the subsistence crops villagers rely on for food, but aid groups and researchers have said the rain also triggered a dangerous phase of the drought.