The National Disaster Centre (NDC) has directed all Provincial Administrators and Chairpersons of Provincial Disaster Committees across Papua New Guinea to immediately activate provincial disaster management arrangements following the official declaration of El Niño conditions by the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (NWS).
In a circular dated June 22, 2026, Acting Director General of the National Disaster Centre, Lusete Laso, said forecasts indicate an increased likelihood of below-average rainfall and prolonged dry conditions affecting many parts of the country in the coming months.
The directive follows a ministerial announcement by the Minister responsible for the National Disaster Centre, Dr Billy Joseph, instructing all levels of government to begin preparedness measures to minimise the potential impacts of El Niño-induced drought on communities, food security, water supplies, public health, agriculture, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
The National Disaster Centre confirmed that the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has now been activated to coordinate national preparedness, monitoring and response activities.
Under the directive, Provincial Administrators have been instructed to:
Immediately convene Provincial Disaster Committee meetings to review preparedness plans;
- Activate Provincial Disaster Emergency Operations Centres (PDEOCs);
- Conduct rapid assessments of districts and communities most vulnerable to drought and other El Niño-related impacts;
- Review and update provincial contingency and emergency response plans;
- Strengthen coordination with district administrations, government agencies, churches, private sector partners and humanitarian organisations; and
- Submit regular situation reports to the National Disaster Centre through the NEOC.
The National Disaster Centre said the early activation of provincial disaster arrangements is aimed at reducing the humanitarian and economic impacts that could result from prolonged dry weather conditions.
Provincial governments have been urged to act swiftly during this early warning period while the National Disaster Centre continues to provide technical guidance, coordination and regular situation updates as more information becomes available.
The circular was copied to National Disaster Committee Chairman Hari John Akipe, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring a coordinated national response to the emerging El Niño threat.