Police brace for law and order challenge as PNG faces historic El Niño

Papua New Guinea's Police Minister, Sir John Pundari, has put the country on notice, warning that the nation may be about to experience its most severe El Niño weather event ever recorded.

Sir John acknowledged that government agencies are gearing up for widespread drought, water shortages and other hardships, but stressed that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has a vital role to play in preserving law and order throughout the crisis.

 Police brace for law and order challenge as PNG faces historic El Niño/Photo PNG Police Minister Sir John Pundari

He revealed that the RPNGC is already liaising with the PNG Defence Force, disaster management officials and provincial governments to coordinate a unified security response as the situation develops.

Turning his attention to those who might seek to take advantage of the disaster, the minister was blunt. "Strict orders have been issued for police to crack down on any exploitation of the El Nino disaster for personal or criminal gain. Anyone who exploits the misery of another human being is a disgrace, and they will face charges for any crimes they commit," Sir John said.

He reassured the public that police would stay vigilant for any signs of civil disorder or crime connected to the growing scarcity of essential resources.

The RPNGC, with the government's backing, is planning ahead to ensure resources are shared out fairly and that communities are equipped to withstand the pressures of the disaster.

Sir John urged Papua New Guineans to prepare for a range of likely consequences, among them severe drought paired with a delayed wet season, water rationing and unstable supply, power shortages hitting hydro-dependent regions, and heat stress fuelling higher demand for cooling in the cities.

He also flagged rising pressure in settlements already short on water, the danger of social tensions linked to resource scarcity, bushfires and vegetation loss, and worsening air quality caused by dust and smoke.

Police throughout Papua New Guinea have been told to work closely with community leaders to help minimise crimes linked to the El Niño crisis.