Hailstorm batters food gardens in Enga
A heavy hailstorm has damaged food gardens and vegetation across four wards in Pilikambi LLG, Laiagam District, Enga Province.
The hailstorm struck on Tuesday afternoon, affecting Tupagoos Ward 3, Landelam Ward 7, Kepelam Ward 11 and parts of Kailyam Ward 6.
Tupagoos, Landelam and Kepelam were severely affected, with food crops and surrounding vegetation damaged. Similar damage was reported in parts of Kailyam.
The hailstorm is the latest hazard to hit Pilikambi, following an ongoing dry spell linked to El Niño and frost that affected the area in August.
NBC News accompanied the Provincial Disaster Management Office and relevant authorities to the affected areas and witnessed extensive damage to food gardens, which are the main source of food for most households.
The hailstorm snapped sweet potato vines, damaged cabbage patches and stripped leaves from trees and other vegetation.
The storm was described by locals as the heaviest experienced in the area. When NBC News arrived on Wednesday morning, chunks of unmelted ice were still scattered across some areas.
Much of the ice seen in pictures circulating on social media had already melted into the soil by the time of the visit, leaving damaged gardens behind.
Local resident Alas Lou told NBC News the impact on food crops could be serious.
Standing in a two-month-old sweet potato garden badly damaged by the storm, Mr Lou said "crops such as cabbage and potatoes grow well in Pilikambi because of its cold climate".
He said sweet potato is also a staple food, but takes much longer to mature because of the cold conditions.
The hailstorm destroyed newly sprouted sweet potato vines and other crops planted after the frost in August, making it difficult for families who depend on their gardens for food.
Leaders from the affected communities are now calling for urgent relief assistance.
Landelam Ward 7 Councillor Rex Taio, speaking on behalf of his people, said authorities did not provide the necessary relief assistance after the frost hit Pilikambi in August.
He said immediate assistance was needed to prevent a similar situation, as communities rely heavily on their gardens for daily food.
