Papua New Guinea: Drought - Nov 2024

The communities in Nissan, Fead, Carterets, Mortlock and Tasman islands in North Bougainville district of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) are experiencing drought conditions since November 2024. The persistence of the dry spell prompted the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) Regional Disaster Centre (BRDC) to conduct a remote disaster needs assessment. According to the BRDC’s assessment report dated 26 February 2026, the now 5-month long drought has resulted in the depletion of the communities’ water supplies typically stored in rain-fed water tanks. The affected populations, totalling 10,948 persons or 2,248 families or households have begun to resort to sourcing drinking water from dug-out wells and coconuts, and using sea water for cooking. (UNCT PNG, 29 Mar 2025)