More than 1000 villagers affected by drought

More than 15OO villagers in wards 1 and 2 of the Siassi LLG in the Tewai/Siass District of Morobe province have been experiencing dry season since May 2014.

Five communities Bun, Tul, Awar, Mular and Masale have survived on fish, chest nuts and galip nuts and drinking spring water for 8 months during low tide which most sometimes is not fresh water but water mixed with sea water.

Disaster Director Mr Charlie Masange said all water sourced in their communities has been dried out due to dry spell in the last 8 months.

He said food is becoming a problem for the communities as their food gardens are not producing good quality food for them as most of the foods are dried out due to the dry season.

The communities are now going through the recovery phase however; there are minor health cases resulting from the dry season experienced.

Furthermore the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office is working on a community based risk management program for vulnerable communities in the province to have a 

“know how” before, during and after a disaster strikes.

The disaster office has described the program as a way forward for them to help communities help themselves before, during and after a disaster.

The program is also aimed at changing the mindset of people of the hand out mentality by the people whilst teaching them not to be dependent and become lazy. ONEPNG/PNGFM