Bougainville's disaster coordinator says officials from the Papua New Guinea government will begin assessing drought damage in the region today.
Franklin Lacey says food gardens have been destroyed and water levels are low as an El Nino weather event tightens its grip.
He says up to 200,000 people in the region have been affected.
Mr Lacey says he hopes the national government's visit results in more funding to assist with relief efforts in the autonomous PNG region.
"The national government assessment team, they want to verify the assessment here and then provide us funding. They will get the report over to the government to try and assist us with the situation here. The government here does not have any funds to assist."
Franklin Lacey says the peak of the El Nino event is expected from October to January.
He is urging communities to prepare for a potential water shortage.
Photo: RNZ
