El Nino kills five people in Chimbu Province

Food gardens destroyed by frost in the Highlands

Five children and an elderly man have died as a result of the extreme dry weather that has peaked across the country.

All six deaths are reported in Chimbu province, where the El Nino condition has hit hard.

This is contained in a brief report by the acting Director, Martin Mose, to the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Inter Government Relation, Leo Dion.
The report claims six deaths have already occurred as a result of the El Nino condition.

The Government has been urged to immediately release 5-million-Kina to respond to the plight of the people to avoid further deaths while a proper assessment report is done to address the situation.

The report highlight an estimated 300-thousand people in seven provinces are being directly affected.

Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc said provinces affected include Eastern, Western and Southern Highlands, Chimbu, Enga, Western and East New Britain Provinces.