New Guinea Islands Drought Assessment Report

NEW GUINEA ISLANDS DROUGHT ASSESSMENT REPORT

Compiled by: Philomena M. Emilio, Martin Warek, Mathew Poienou, Frank Pomoso, Misbil Garalom, and Josing Salimbi

15th of September, 2015 i

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the New Guinea Islands Provincial Administrators, Provincial Disaster Co- ordinators, the National Agriculture Research Institute, National Department of Works, PNG

Defence Force, National Department of Health, WaterPNG, PNG Red Cross, National

Department of Agriculture & Livestock and others who have contributed in many ways to facilitate the goverments rapid assessment needs.

We also are grateful to the Papua New Guinea Government through the National Disaster Centre for taking the lead in this assessment and providing funds and logistics for the team to conduct the assessment.

Our Sincere gratitude is also extended to the communities in the 5 New Guinea Island Provinces who provided information for write up of this report.

Contents

Foreword ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Acknowledgements ...... ii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 TEAM COMPOSITION ...... 2 1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 4 1.3 SITUATION OVERVIEW ...... 5 2.0 IMPACT ...... 6

3.0 NEEDS ...... 12

4.0 RESPONSE ACTIONS ...... 13

5.0 COORDINATION ...... 14

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 14

7.0 CONCLUSION ...... 15

Annex 1: List of Graphs ...... 16

iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The El Nino phenomenon has been experienced in Papua New Guinea since the existence of our ancestors. Drought basically is a slow onset disaster and can be caused by lack of rainfall. A similar disaster occurred in 1997/98 catching the government unprepared to respond to the situation immediately. Having learnt lessons from 1997/98 drought, the Government of PNG took a proactive approach in managing and responding to the drought situation by deploying four National Drought Assessment Teams to do a rapid assessment on the drought situation in the country.

The New Guinea Islands Rapid Drought Assessment Team was deployed over a two week period, with National Disaster Centre taking the leadership role whilst other technical agencies such as, Department of Works, National Department of Health, National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), WaterPNG, and PNG Defence Force playing the advisory role.

The team’s mission was basically to assess the impact of drought on food, water, health, livelihood and education. The Team accomplished the assessment within the timeframe given and some of the findings/highlights and recommendations are as follows.

Atolls

Shortage of food and water has been an ongoing problem for the atolls in Manus, and Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). With the current drought situation, it has added to the existing problem, making the atolls more vulnerable.

Food

The teams found out that most gardens on the mainland of all New Guinea Island Provinces were producing sufficient food for both personal consumption and supplying to the markets. Only in areas were soil moist was unavailable gardens did not produce much.

Health

The team found that due to malfunctioning of the service delivery mechanism of the government, together with poor hygiene and health practices have led to the increase in reported cases of diahorrea, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and pneumonia.

Water

In all Islands Provinces, water is the main issue. People are now travelling distances to wash, fetch water for drinking and cooking, and wash their clothes. It has also become a commercial item for opportunists.

Education

All schools visited by the team closed early due to water problem. Closing schools early gave opportunity for both teachers and children to fetch water and also wash.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Inter-Agency Drought Assessment Team of New Guinea Islands was deployed on 3rd

September 2015 to do a Rapid Assessment on the impact of current El Nino phenomenon in the entire region of New Guinea. The team commenced in its mission findings in Manus then proceeded to New Ireland, East New Britain, and Autonomous Region of Bougainville and concluded West New Britain Province. Courtesy calls were made to the Provincial

Administrators outlining the purpose and objectives of the teams visit to respective Provinces.

The purpose of the mission was to support the efforts of the Provincial Administrations and to determine the conditions of food, health, water and access to livelihood. The outcome of the findings of the mission will assist the Government in addressing the impact of the current drought situation.

1.1 TEAM COMPOSITION

The National Drought Assessment Team comprised of various key government agencies who were mobilized and deployed to the New Guinea Islands region to conduct a Rapid Assessment on the current El Nino phenomenon from 3rd to 14 September 2016. The team was led by

Philomena M. Emilio of National Disaster Centre and the other team members included;

Martin Warek National Department of Work

Mathew Poienou PNG National Agriculture Research Institute

Major Frank Pomoso PNG Defence Force

Josing Salimbi National Department of Health

Misbil Garalom National Department of Agriculture and Livestock

The team’s mission objectives were to:

1. Assess the extent of damage to determine level and type of immediate and long-term

assistance required by the affected communities. The sectors to be assessed includes; food

and water security, health issues, education and economic sectors

2. Carryout capacity assessment on the capabilities & responsiveness of respective provincial

governments to manage the effects of El Nino.

3. Carryout capacity assessment on the capabilities of the suppliers and service providers

operating in the provinces to meet the demands of the National and Provincial Governments

relief requirements.

4. Carryout awareness on drought copying mechanisms and strategies with the Provincial

Disaster Committees and affected communities.

5. Assist PDC establish and strengthen existing government structures at the Provincial,

District and Local level for effective coordination of humanitarian relief operations.

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Papua New Guinea’s location in the Southwest Pacific region has a lot to do with its susceptibility to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Together with Indonesia and northern

Australia, the surrounding seas are the warmest anywhere in the globe. The warmest sea surface waters in both the Southwest Pacific and the Indian Ocean provides the moisture source for the high rainfall typical of the South West Pacific region.

This means air moving over a warm ocean picks up water vapour. The moist air rises, or is forced up mountain ranges, where it cools and produces rain. However, with El Nino such as

1997 or the current, ocean temperatures are much lower than normal. Instead of warm moist air rising over PNG, cool air is descending.

Predictions of the El Nino phenomenon were forecasted by PNG National Weather Service since

2012 advising that the impact of it would be much greater than that of the 1997/98 drought. The

National Disaster Centre in collaboration with the National Weather Services and National

Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) took a proactive approach in conducting awareness to the communities in PNG. Towards mid of 2012, the entire country started experiencing rains and all advise on the El Nino phenomenon were cancelled.

This year according to the National Weather Services of Papua New Guinea the effects of El Nino were recorded to have commenced in March 2015, however due to nonoccurrence of the El Nino as predicted in 2012, the National Weather Services was reluctant to provide the predictions to the

Public. It was slowly and quietly monitored for 3 months and the weather outlook and forecast were made known in late June. Despite the announcement of the predictions, the impacts of the El

Nino phenomenon were becoming evident through out the country with much severe consequences seen in the higher altitudes of the country.

Reports of widespread of severe impacts of drought throughout the country prompted the National

Government to take immediate actions to address the issue and deployment of assessment teams to all regions of the country to assess the severity of the impact of the El Nino phenomenon. The outcome of the assessments would determine the remedial measures that the Government will take to address the current situation.

1.3 SITUATION OVERVIEW

The onset of drought is by nature a slow event and because the warning signs have been recognized earlier in June/July, the Government of PNG has responded by dispatching assessment teams to conduct a rapid assessment of the current El Nino phenomenon.

The Inter Agency Technical Assessment (IATA) team did a Rapid assessment on all New

Guinea Islands Provinces. The general overview of the situation is that for the last two weeks it has being raining in all New Guinea Island Provinces of Manus, New Ireland, Autonomous

Region of Bougainville, East and West New Britain Provinces. It is unfortunate to state that through it is raining, its only the dust that are being washed off or the surface of the ground that has been watered. Not the whole Province gets to experience rain; some parts are wet while the others are still dry. The rains experienced were for a few hours only and the water holding capacity of the soil has not been reached suggesting that rain water percolates through the soil system only and there is still dryness on most areas. No records of rainfall have been gathered

as the advice given by weather officers on the ground is that rain is recorded for the airports only.

In all NGI provinces visited, the most affected populations are the atolls with the population of over 35,000 who are in desperate need for food and water supplies. Food supply in Provinces like East and West New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville is sufficient for the population; however Manus is experiencing drop in food production. Sources from mainland indicate that they are rationing garden food and schools have also scaled down operations where time rationing is accommodated to cater for the current situation.

2.0 IMPACT

2.1 Key Observations / Finding

Key findings emerged from the mission:

1. Atolls desperately need food and water supplies as all their water sources especially

tanks have dried up and well water have become contaminated and brackish. According

to LLG manager – Atolls and president for Aua Wuvulu LLGs their food sources have

been exhausted and are in desperate need for food and safe water supply. Example Aua

Wuvulu LLGs in Manus are now living off swamp taro which has lost its original taste

and become very hard to chew.

2. On the mainland general observations of food supply is still sufficient. People are still

able to make gardens and supply the markets. The islands have a lively hood where

they catch fish and sell at the markets for basic needs.

3. Through the Health Centres and the Aid Posts, there are increased reports of waterborne

diseases and respiratory infections as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. All referrals are made

to urban health clinics as there is low supply of medical drugs.

4. Education of children is being affected as schools close at lunch due to water shortage.

2.2 Areas and Population Affected

Province Areas affected Population Category Comments/Remarks

LLGs affected

Manus Aua Wuvulu 1,102 3- 4 1. There is need for Nigoherm 1620 Bisikani Soparibeu 5850 clean safe PNKA Penabu Nali 6048 drinking water Tetidu 4850 Pobuma 2296 for the affected Balopa 3121 Rapatona 3594 population. Lorengau 7844 Los Negros 2970 2. Immediate need Lelemadih 7895 for logistics Total: 52, 247 support to

transport empty

water tanks to

Aua Wuvulu

LLG

3. Fuel for

distribution of

relief supplies

New Ireland Tikana 27,423 2- 3 1. Immediate need Sentral Niu Ailan 77,455 New Ireland isolated 2,682 for safe drinking islands water

2. Immediate need

for Water

containers

3. Food supply to

Isolated islands

and Tikana LLG

East New Lassul Bain 13,552 2-3 1. Immediate Bitapaka 22557 Britain Kokopo Vunamami 14879 supply of food Ruluana 18757 and water to Central Pomio Inland 10839 Sinivit 19103 affected areas Balanataman 19621 Wattom 2. Logistics for

3428 Kombium supply of relief 16368 East Pomio

146,582

West New Talasea rural 27993 2-3 1. Immediate Mosa rural 36380 Britain Hoskins rural 27665 supply of food Bali Vitu 16,665 and water to 108,703 affected areas

Autonomous Atolls 9710 2-3 1. Immediate North Bougainville 42861 Region of Central Bougainville 58660 supply of food

Bougainville 111 231 and water to affected areas.

2.2.1 Food

In the islands provinces, most atolls and coastlines with over 35,000 have serious food shortage confined by the limitations on inability of service providers to stock adequate supplies of basic items such as rice, canned fish and meat, salt, sugar, biscuits, flour, cooking oil, match boxes, mosquito nets and medical drug supplies. In Manus, New Ireland, Buka and Bali Vitu, basic

items are limited and people usually wait for several months before they can receive new supplies of basic food items from service providers. This scenario is complicated by the effects of drought like bush fires destroying wildlife habitats and food crops; and destruction of garden food reserves where there is low level of soil moisture. Limited garden food reserves will probably last for a week as people travelled distances to find relatives for immediate food supply, a common practice between atolls and mainland of Island provinces.

2.2.2 Water

Most rural communities’ source water from various sources such as streams, creeks, rivers, shallow dug wells, and a minority from rain-catchment tanks as they cannot afford with the price. Through the rapid assessment, it was discovered that most water sources dried up and majority of the population resorted to rivers and streams which were contaminated by people and animals living along the rivers and streams.

The comfort of fetching water at the door steps ceased due to the drought and people are forced to walk considerable distances to fetch water for cooking, drinking and for other domestic usage. Communities gathered near the existing water sources, washed their cloths, plates and had a bath.

People were very mindful of safe and quality drinking water, but with the circumstances faced they were left with no option but just to fetch water. In all NGI Provinces visited, restrictions were imposed on drinking and cooking water. No-one was allowed to wash in those areas.

Areas along rivers and streams were mapped out for washing – males separate from females,

washing clothes and water for drinking and cooking. Though quality of water was not tested but its restriction assisted in the cleanliness of the available water source.

In specific place like Ganai in East New Britain, the main river of Warangoi which was their main source of water and supply of protein was contaminated with cyanide since February

2015. The current drought impact only increased the communities’ vulnerability. An alternate water supply – a small stream about 100m away from the village has 10 villages living up stream which made it very difficult for the villagers to find clean, safe drinking water.

In town, provinces like East New Britain and New Ireland have been rationing the hours of work for public servants. Majority of the public servants live in villages and by rationing working hours gives them ample time to get ready and come to work. Instead of starting at

7:45am they start at 9:00am.

The prolonged drought has reduced most accessible water sources which were already marginal prior to the drought to extremely low quantity and quality sources, which were contaminated and brackish.

2.2.3 Health and Sanitation

Most rural communities do not have access to quality health services due to their remoteness or isolation as islands. The poor service delivery and health status of these communities is only stressed more due to the current drought situation. The assessment team discovered that community’s access to clean safe drinking water was a main health concern, as most sources of drinking water were suspected to be contaminated. This was evident as reported by rural health facilities. There were cases of water-borne or water related diseases such as diarrhorrea, stomach ache, pneumonia, respiratory infections, sore eyes, and skin diseases, etc reported through health centres and Aid posts. All Aid Post workers and Health Centres interviewed expressed their concerns that it was all water related and also due to dryness of the environment. The number of diseases reported increased from June to August as shown in

Annex 1.

In terms of community sanitation, most villages visited are not using proper or improved sanitation methods. The common methods identified were over-hung and open defecation through sea or using near-by bushes. Such condition was noted has a tendency could contribute to water pollution, especially contamination that can affect available ground water or surface water sources.

All cases in the Aid posts have been referred to the sub-health or health centres for treatment as they have run out of drug supplies. Health Centre run by missions is also very badly affected by the recent drought conditions. All Health Centers and Aid Posts visited by the assessment team

indicated that their water tanks were empty therefore were sending away patients with their medication and advising them to take it at home.

2.2.4 Education

Provinces of East and West New Britain, New Ireland and Manus have begun the rationing exercise since July 2015. Most primary schools shut down at 12:00pm whilst the upper primary close at normal time due to the upcoming final examination of Grades 8, 10 and 12.

Schools physically assessed lack water completely and with the extreme heat experienced because of drought, learning conditions are made very in conducive.

2.2.5 Extent of Damage

The extent of damage covers mostly remote atoll islands, few coastline areas and certain inland areas of Manus, New Ireland, AROB East and West New Britain Provinces where the areas are dry and prone to bushfire destruction. These may be from gardening practices of slash and burn, ignorance by the youths and lack of support from existing government organizations and in most cases the provinces don’t have drought coping strategies.

3.0 NEEDS

3.1 Immediate:

 Supply of water and food to the atolls immediately

 Cart water to existing empty water tanks

 Supply water purification tablets for treatment of water

 Supply of water tanks to those without water tanks but placed in communal places

 Supply of water containers (10 to 20 Litres containers)

 Emergency drug supplies to Aid Posts and Health Centres

3.2 Long-term:

 Water quality test to be conducted on all community water sources

 Rehabilitate all existing community water supply systems and

 Install reticulated water supply systems for communities who have access to available

streams and rivers and supplied at communal water point for accessibility

 Health Department to backup plan for drug supplies through its existing arrangements

 Utilize existing developed drought coping strategies for sustaining food supply as well

as accessible quality water for domestic use.

4.0 RESPONSE ACTIONS

The Provincial Governments must take responsibility for their respective Provinces by:

i) Developing plans on drought coping strategies

ii) Establishing MOA with organizations that have technical capacity

iii) Conducting awareness on food and water security, related health issues and

bushfires

iv) Deploying immediate supplies of water tanks and containers to all affected

areas

v) Carting water to fill up rain-catchment water tanks (e.g. In AROB water is

cart at the price of K150.00 per 3,000 litres of water)

vi) Activating the Provincial Disaster Emergency Operations Centre

vii) Stopping all projects and diverting funds to address the current situation

5.0 COORDINATION

The coordination of limited resources is vital in saving peoples’ lives that are at risks and these require accurate report on existing situation and conceded effort in obtaining actual number of people affected by the effects of the drought is essential. All organizations should be reporting to the National Disaster Centre (NDC) on the types of assistance they are provided to ensure a proper co-ordianted response. Since NDC is the focal point for Disaster Management and

Disaster Risk Management in the country all response efforts should be co-ordinated and channeled through NDC using the existing Disaster Risk Management structure.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that:

i) More awareness is conducted for drought coping strategies

ii) National Disaster Centre must be equipped with appropriate coping strategies and

funds are made available to service providers where an equal mutual understanding

is reached by all partners concerned on ownership of information supplied.

iii) Immediate food and water supplies be delivered to atolls and areas most affected

iv) Tanks are purchased immediately and supplied to most affected communities and

they are filled by carting water.

v) Immediate supply of water containers and water purification tablets to affected

communities

vi) Purchase materials and provide immediate repair to the existing defective water

supply systems at strategic locations. This can minimize cartage and distribution

costs and sustain water supply for domestic use.

vii) All activities relating to provision of emergency water services to be supervised by

qualified technical people to ensure the practice is conducted in a health acceptable

manner and safe quality water is provided to the communities.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Generally, the need for NGI provinces is to improve water accessibility and quality so that people living in atolls, coastlines and certain inland areas prone to drought conditions are provided special attention. The immediate food distribution now will be to cater for the atoll islands as well as areas identified on need basis. More importantly, people must be empowered to cope with drought conditions as most people now suffering is simply ignorance on existing drought coping strategies. Notably, there is a need to revise existing population data and improve information access to PNG

Mapping Village Agriculture System Production and water resources so that the government and other supporting agents can plan immediately for appropriate coping strategies.

Annex 1: List of Graphs

Graph 1: Number of pneumonia cases amongst varying population

Graph 2: Number of asthma cases amongst varying population

Graph 3: Number of diarrhea cases amongst population

Graph 1: Number of pneumonia amongst varying population in Manus and New Ireland Provinces 60

Pneumonia 30 <1yr Pneumonia 1- 4yrs<1yr

No of Patients of No Pneumonia 20 5+yr

Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male

Female Female Female Female Female Female Female Female Jan Feb March April May June July August

Graph 2: Number of asthma amongst varying population 12

6 Asthma

4 No. of Patients of No.

0 Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Jan Feb March April May June July August

Graph 3 :Diarrhoeal diseases amongst population

8 Diarrhoea <1yr 6

0 Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Jan Feb March April May June July August