Enga Province has advanced disaster preparedness following a successful two-day workshop on Disaster Risk Management Strategy (DRM) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in Wabag.
The workshop aims to move Enga from reactive disaster response to a proactive, structured approach that enhances preparedness, coordination, and resilience across its six districts.
Participants from key Enga Provincial Government divisions attended, including the Provincial Disaster Office, Community Development, Agriculture and Livestock, Policy and Planning, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Lands and Physical Planning, Climate Change and Mining, and Works.
The Enga Provincial Health Authority and Provincial Works and Transport Services also participated, promoting cross-sector collaboration.
All six districts were fairly represented. Faith-based and humanitarian groups like the Catholic Church, Caritas, CARE International, and Save the Children contributed, and NBC Enga supported communication and early warning efforts.
Senior Project Associate for IOM in Enga Province, Junior Tambi, highlighted the purpose of the consultation.
“This training was purposely to bring together government divisions, stakeholders and humanitarian organisations to give their feedback and comments, and the workshop brought together provincial authorities, district officials, humanitarian partners, faith-based organisations, media representatives, and other key stakeholders to strengthen coordination and ensure the strategy reflects operational realities across the province,” he said.
Enga faces a complex disaster environment, including landslides, earthquakes, flooding, drought, frost, tribal conflict, and displacement.
Climate change and settlement growth increase vulnerability. The proposed DRM strategy aligns with PNG’s Disaster Management Act, the National Disaster Risk Management Framework, and the Sendai Framework.
The 10-year strategy aims to strengthen disaster governance, early warning, preparedness, climate-resilient development, community risk reduction, and recovery via “Build Back Better.”
It also considers internal displacement policies and the Durable Solutions Framework, supporting safe return, local integration, or relocation with access to shelter, land, livelihoods, services, and security.
Key discussions stressed the need for stronger early warnings, clear activation procedures, pre-positioned supplies, better communication, and regular drills.
Participants highlighted strengthening the Provincial Disaster Committee and resource support for the Disaster Management Office.
The next step is to refine the strategy and SOPs for validation. Once finalised, the Enga DRM Strategy (2026–2036) will guide improved preparedness, response, and resilience.