The Catholic Church has come to the aid of communities affected by drought and frost in the Highlands.
According to a press release from the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and the Solomon Islands, bags of rice and sweet potatoes collected from Catholic parishes in the Highlands have been distributed by Caritas PNG, in partnership with Caritas Australia and Caritas New Zealand.
Crop gardens have been destroyed by frost and rivers and creeks have either dried up or are drying up fast, as the severe weather patterns intensifies in the Highlands.
CBC reports that some schools have shutdown with others open for only half of the day whilst health clinics are being forced to limit operations.
The Catholic dioceses of Mt Hagen, Wabag, Mendi and Kundiawa met recently in the provincial capital of the Western Highlands Province to discuss and establish short and long term plans to guide relief assistance efforts.
Acknowledging the support of the national government, CBA expressed their gratitude for the prompt response by Chief Secretary, Manasupe Zurenoc, in getting the funds and supplies needed.
