The prolonged drought which also resulted in severe frosts has seriously affected many parts of the country, particularly the Western and Southern Highlands where vegetation has dried up. The lack of moisture has made the soil extremely hard for people to plant, even crops such as sweet potatoes. Widespread bush fires resulting from the drought have destroyed crops, grassland and forests. Staple food crops have been wiped out in many areas. Substantial damage to cash crop production, such as coffee and tea has also been reported. Vegetables have been destroyed and people are reported to be starving. The food situation is precarious in the affected areas of the Highlands and other islands. Most of garden food have been wiped out and the remaining forest food is already much reduced by extensive burning of the bush. Reports indicate that more than 500 000 people are seriously affected by the drought and about 90 000 people live in the most severely affected areas with no food, water or income.

An AusAid sponsored Drought Assessment Team, together with representatives from the Government and the IFRC, as well as the PNG Red Cross Society and NGO representatives, have made an assessment and visited more than 500 villages across PNG. Needs for the affected areas include seeds and irrigation-related equipment. The government has made an Appeal for international assistance. A national consultant has recently been recruited by FAO to assess the most urgent needs in the agriculture and livestock sectors.