A report by Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Centre says US$10.6m will be needed for food in areas of the Highlands affected by frost and drought.
Women and children in Papua New Guinea's Highlands region. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
The Post Courier says the report was compiled by an assessment team that found food and water sources in five provinces have depleted dramatically as a severe El Niño takes hold.
The centre's acting assistant director of operations, Andrew Oaego, says the drought will affect over one million people, and the 10 million dollars is an estimate for only the next three months.
The El Niño is expected to last well into next year.
Papua New Guinea's busy Highlands Highway. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Mr Oaego says additional money will be needed for relief and logistics operations.
The PNG Government says it has already released more than eight million dollars for the Highlands region.
