Hela Provincial Government allocates K12 million in emergency drought relief

Hela Governor Philip Undialu with the provincial disaster management committee members at Hulukumaiya Haus to see water trucks refilling the empty tanks. (NBC News)

In response to the severe El Niño conditions devastating the country, the Hela Provincial Government has stepped in to provide immediate relief supplies, including emergency food rations and clean drinking water, to affected communities across the province.

Prolonged drought conditions have dried up vital water sources and severely damaged subsistence crops, leaving thousands of people facing acute food and water shortages.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu confirmed that the Provincial Executive Council [PEC] has approved a K12 million relief package to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

"The funds will be distributed across all 300 wards in Hela Province, with each ward slated to receive K40,000 for direct relief efforts. K9 million has already been released and is currently being processed to reach ward accounts as quickly as possible," he said.

Governor Undialu emphasized that while K12 million appears to be a substantial sum, distributing it across 300 wards means the funds will be stretched thin. However, he emphasized that providing immediate, tangible support to families during this disaster remains the government's top priority.

He has maintained the provincial government’s commitment to reallocating resources to ensure public survival.

"We are putting every effort and every resource into helping our people. If it means putting a halt to ongoing development projects, such as road construction, we will do so to save lives," Governor Undialu stated.

He further cautioned that if drought conditions worsen, the provincial government is prepared to bring all non-essential development activities to a complete standstill, redirecting every available kina toward life-saving operations.

Recognizing that provincial resources alone may not be enough for long-term relief, Governor Undialu said the Hela provincial government will engage with the national government, international aid organizations, and donor agencies to secure additional disaster assistance and relief supplies for the province.