URGENT CALL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION TO HELP SAFE THE FROST AFFECTED COMMUNITIS

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We are appealing to the National Government, the National Disaster Centre (NDC), the Provincial Authorities to urgently assess and respond to the severe frost conditions currently affecting communities in the Upper Highland Provinces.

As the weather warning from the National Weather Service -"Super" El Niño. This climate event is predicted to trigger widespread droughts across the western Pacific, severe water shortages in coastal regions, and devastating frost in the Highlands.

With the phenomenon expected to emerge quickly and peak between June and November 2026, up to 70% of the rural population to face critical food and economic vulnerabilities has in fact come to its fulfillment – over the past few days the frost started to emerge especially Kandep District in Enga and Tambul-Togoba in Southern Highlands Province that has caused widespread destruction of food gardens. Sweet potato crops, which are the staple food for most households, together with various vegetables, have been severely damaged or completely destroyed by the frost.

Many families are already experiencing hardship as their primary food sources have been wiped out. If immediate intervention is not undertaken, the situation could escalate into a serious food security crisis affecting thousands of people.

We urge the National Disaster Centre, in collaboration with provincial and local authorities, to immediately:

1. Conduct rapid assessments to identify and verify affected communities;

2. Monitor the extent of the frost damage and its impact on household food security;

3. Prepare and mobilize emergency relief supplies for affected populations;

4. Develop contingency plans to address any prolonged food shortages that may arise.

This natural disaster has only begun, and its duration remains uncertain. Early intervention and preparedness measures are essential to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our people.

The attached photographs are taken from Kandep District in Enga, just this morning (Friday, 19th Junea 2026) - showing extent of damage, food gardens, sweet potato leaves and vegetable crops have been completely destroyed by frost.

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Picture and story by Amos Nai via Facebook