Fly-River shipping operations likely to be disrupted

Fly River water level at Kiunga continues to drop. As of 10am today, Tuesday 2nd September, the level was recorded at 5.080 meters - classified as "extremely low" by Ok Tedi Mining Limited Kiunga Operations. *(NBC News)*

The Fly River at Kiunga has started to fall after reaching a peak of seven (7) meters over the weekend following good rainfall in the Upper Fly and Ok Tedi catchments.

According to Ok Tedi Mining Limited Kiunga Operations, data issued at 10am today, Tuesday 2nd September 2026, shows that the river has dropped to 5.080 meters and is classified as "extremely low" and continues to fall.

OTML Kiunga Operations further stated that the PNG National Weather Service is forecasting only isolated showers and thunderstorms for today and tomorrow with 1-30mm of rain. From Friday to Sunday, lighter isolated showers of 10mm or less are expected.

Officials from OTML Kiunga Operations said with low rainfall expected in the coming days, river levels are likely to drop further. This will likely disrupt the movements of shipping vessels up and down the Fly River system.

According to the National Weather Service, below average rainfall is predicted for the Ok Tedi and Upper Fly catchments for September, October and November due to the current strong El Niño.

OTML Kiunga Operations is advising communities and shipping operators along the Fly River to take note of the changing conditions.