“We can do it”, is the voice coming from Papua New Guinea communities exposed to a panoply of hazards which include flooding, landslides, drought, typhoons, sea level rise, wave surges, earthquakes and tsunamis.

More rainfall and weather-related events are expected as experts warn that the hotter and drier climate will lead to drought and cause rainfall to become unpredictable and heavier, resulting in more flooding. Sea level rise, coastal erosion and coral bleaching are already being seen in the low-lying atolls and coastal villages.

A USAID/OFDA disaster risk reduction project, being implemented by the International Organization for Migration in Papua New Guinea supports sustainable preparedness strategies for vulnerable communities and helps them to cope with and respond to natural disasters and the effects of climate change.

Disaster risk knowledge, understanding and practices are limited in the selected communities despite experiences of disasters over the years including the devastating Cyclone Guba in 2007. Community-based disaster risk reduction activities focus on strengthening current efforts by local communities to adapt and build resilience.

The IOM Oro Field Office, working with the Provincial Disaster Office and humanitarian partners completed the provincial and districts disaster profiling in August 2013. The profile provided key information for community targeting, based on susceptibility to hazards and community vulnerability indicators. 

This rural province, north of the capital Port Moresby, shares a common concern with all communities in Papua New Guinea – water and sanitation. Access to clean water for drinking and cooking are a concern especially for communities along the coastlines, and children frequently fall ill from water-borne diseases.

“This programme is putting the tools needed to prepare for, overcome and mitigate frequent disasters into the hands of the local communities,” says George Gigauri, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Papua New Guinea. “All partners have a stake in this struggle with Mother Nature, and we know that together we are stronger. We will continue to work with local leaders, churches, NGOs and key government agencies to support sustainable preparedness strategies.”