FROST DAMAGES GARDENS IN IMBONNGU

FAMILIES FACE FOOD CRISIS

BY 3JOE REMA

HUNDREDS of families in Imbonggu District, Southern Highlands Province, are facing growing food insecurity after a severe frost damaged food gardens and vegetation across several communities last week.

The frost, which occurred on Tuesday, has affected council wards in Iombi 1 and 2, Yawiangil 1 and 2, and Pokorapul, leaving many households worried about their food supply in the coming months.

Residents say sweet potato crops, vegetables and other staple food sources are slowly withering as a result of the prolonged cold conditions. Community leaders fear the situation could worsen and spread to neighbouring districts if the frost continues.

Among those affected is mother-of-four, Mrs Tennis Dick, who said her family had lost most of the crops they depended on for daily survival.

“The garden we rely on has been destroyed and we do not have another garden to fall back on,” Mrs Dick said.
“Even natural food sources such as edible ferns and other vegetation are being affected by the frost. We are appealing to the Government and relevant authorities for assistance before the situation becomes worse.”

The emerging crisis has revived memories of previous El Niño-related droughts that devastated many parts of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Highlands region.

Communities in Imbonggu, Upper Mendi and parts of Tambul in Western Highlands Province are already reporting signs of drought, including drying gardens, shrinking water sources and reduced crop production.

Papua New Guinea experienced one of its worst droughts during the 1997-1998 El Niño event, when widespread crop failure, frost and water shortages left millions of people struggling to access food and clean water. A similar disaster occurred in 2015-2016, affecting large parts of the country and placing enormous pressure on rural communities.

Local residents fear a repeat of those events if current weather conditions persist.
With food gardens continuing to deteriorate, many families are now anxiously waiting for help as they face the prospect of prolonged hardship in the weeks ahead.