School hours shortened in parts of PNG as El Niño bites

Schools across several provinces in Papua New Guinea are reducing their operating hours as the nation grapples with the severe impacts of the El Niño phenomenon. This measure aims to conserve resources and protect students from the escalating heat.

In New Ireland province, revised schedules were implemented last week. Early childhood education classes now conclude by 10 a.m., primary schools by noon, and secondary schools have reduced their daily periods from eight to six. School officials are tasked with closely monitoring water supplies, suspending or modifying outdoor activities during extreme heat, and watching for signs of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke among students and staff. Measures also include clearing dry grass around school buildings to mitigate fire risks.

The situation is critical in other regions as well. Madang province's education director advised schools to consider half-day classes where necessary and to limit or suspend outdoor activities like sports and parades. In the Kundiawa Urban and Waiye areas, many schools are closing by 2 p.m., with some in the hardest-hit grassland regions shutting down as early as noon. Memaugl Primary School, for instance, closes at midday due to a lack of water to keep students until the usual dismissal time.

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The meeting confirmed that PNG could use these funds in this emerging El Nino crisis.

The drought's effects extend beyond the classroom, impacting the environment and livelihoods. Hundreds of fish were found dead in the Laviambo Lagoon in Kaviananga village, attributed to the lagoon's unusually shallow depth and warm water, which depleted oxygen levels. Meanwhile, the Hela Provincial Government announced a $2.8 million relief package including food and water for communities facing severe shortages due to dried-up water sources and damaged crops.

Papua New Guinea's Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey, has met with the World Bank to discuss the El Niño crisis. The country has secured a $50 million optional financing facility as part of its 2025 budget support loan, which can be used to address the ongoing disaster. Ling-Stuckey described the situation as a "new crisis, getting worse day by day," emphasizing the need for international assistance.

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PNG is facing a new crisis, getting worse day by day.