FROST IMPACT FOOD CROPS IN TSAK VALLEY
CAPTION: Photos show the affected sweet potato gardens damaged by frost in the Tsak Valley of Wapenamanda District.
By Mortimer Yangharry
Over the past two days, Tsak Valley in the Wapenamanda District has experienced widespread frost with communities to be severely affected if the situation persists.
Provincial Disaster Officer Mr Ignas Nembo confirmed that during early morning hours, a thin layer of white, crystal-like frost was observed covering gardens and food crop areas throughout the valley.
He reported that as temperatures rose with sunrise, affected food crops were observed to be wilting and drying progressively.
Mr Nembo warned that if current conditions persist, food crops in the affected areas will be completely destroyed within 1 – 2 weeks time resulting in significant food insecurity for households in the valley.
He recommended that while the frost event is a natural phenomenon beyond control, communities are strongly advised to:
- Practice mindful household food consumption and rationing; and
- Prepare for potential prolonged dry conditions that may exacerbate hunger and food shortages.
Mr Nembo mentioned that the Sub District Manager will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with the District Administrator, Director – District & LLG Services, and DPA – District & LLG Services, and relevant authorities for further assessments and possible response measures going foward.
The Wapenamanda District is made up of the Tsak LLG and the Wapenamanda LLG with an approximate population of 70,000 people.
