Fly River, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo: EM TV
Water levels of Papua New Guinea's Fly River are rising, after rains over the weekend in drought-hit Western Province.
The Fly is among numerous PNG regions struggling with drought which have welcomed much-needed rains in the past week, although disaster officials have warned recent rains won't be enough to prevent the current drought stretching well into next year.
However EM TV reports that Kiunga in particular experienced a heavy downpour in recent days which has brought up the levels of the Fly River around its main wharf.
Ships have now been able to make their way into the Ok Tedi Mining wharf area again, bringing relief to many locals who feel the drought is slowly abating.
The El Nino phase has taken a huge toll in Western Province, forcing the Ok Tedi mine to a near shut down and affecting thousands who depend heavily on the Fly River for survival.
Heavy rains have also been reported in some parts of the New Guinea Islands, Highlands and Momase Regions, with rains also pouring for the first time in almost 6 months in Port Moresby over the weekend.
