More than 20 people have been reported dead in Chimbu Province following torrential rain and flash flooding.

Remote areas in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands are grappling with severe food shortages as torrential rains and flash flooding continue to wreak havoc in the region.

More than 20 fatalities have been reported in Chimbu Province, prompting authorities to initiate food rationing to cope with the crisis. Meanwhile, in nearby Enga Province, which was recently marred by a tragic massacre, flooding has claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy.

Aquila Kunzie, a community leader in Wapenamanda, expressed the dire situation facing his village, where nearly 100 displaced women and children from tribal conflicts are seeking refuge.

Kunzie emphasized the urgent need for aid, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing violence and adverse weather conditions on food production.

“The massacre has taken a toll on many lives… As the days pass, the scarcity of food becomes increasingly evident,” Kunzie stated, attributing the neglect to political tensions.

Speaking from Mambisanda village mission station, Kunzie described how incessant rainfall has caused rivers to swell and food gardens to be washed away. Tragically, a grade eight student was reportedly swept away by the floodwaters.

In addition to the flooding, reports have emerged of a woman found dead in Wapenamanda, despite a ceasefire agreement between warring factions. Kunzie condemned the brutal act, underscoring the vulnerability of communities amidst the ongoing violence.

“It has also been reported that the woman may have been raped and mutilated before being discarded,” Kunzie said, highlighting the horrifying nature of the incident.

With food crops destroyed and resources dwindling, food rationing has become a necessity, with Kunzie lamenting the provision of only one meal per day for the displaced population.

“The bad weather has severely impacted food production, exacerbating an already critical situation,” Kunzie remarked, highlighting the challenges in accessing assistance amid the crisis.

As the Highlands region grapples with the dual challenges of violence and natural disasters, the urgent call for aid remains unanswered, leaving communities to endure the hardships alone.