The prolong El-Nino has very much dried up all water sources, especially creeks and wells that are used for drinking and cooking.

The hardest hit are people from the small outer islands of West New Britain.

Families on Lolobau, Bali Vitu and Small Vitu are the worst hit, prompting families to travel out of their islands to look for water supplies in other parts of West New Britain.

Hoskins is also facing the same disaster as all 9 wards have no water at all; thus, people are calling on authorities to come in to aid and supply clean water to families affected.

West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Herman Volele highlighted also that all schools in West New Britain have been advised to run half a day, from 8am to 12pm only and students are dismissed home as all schools do not have any running or clean water supply.

“With no running water, all tanks empty, and nowhere to get water, that is a serious sanitation and hygiene problem because this can also lead to other health issues for kids”.

Mr. Volele also added that schools located on the islands are strictly advised to finish at 12pm, not only because of the water issue but also due to strong south to southeasterly winds that arises after midday and during the afternoons posing danger for kids travelling by canoes and boats between islands to go to school.  

“There is no water plus, strong winds after midday, so as much as possible the safety of our children is paramount at this time of El-Nino disaster”.

Full assessment of wildfires caused by heat waves, destruction caused by strong winds including no access to water has been noted by the WNB Disaster office and the full assessment report was presented to the National Disaster Centre in Port Moresby by the WNB Disaster Director Mt Clement Bailey, Volele says.

“We are hopeful that with the full report from all assessment being presented, we should get some assistance as soon as possible”.

However, in the meantime people of West New Britain are urged to use whatever water they can find wisely and assist one another during this El-Nino disaster until help arrives.