17/06/2026
🚨 Severe Frost Damages Food Gardens in Tambul, Western Highlands Province 🇵🇬❄️
A strong frost event has swept across Tambul District early this morning, causing widespread damage to food gardens in Kiripia and surrounding communities in Western Highlands Province.
Residents from Upper and Lower Tambul reported waking up to thick frost covering gardens, grasslands, and rooftops as temperatures dropped sharply overnight. The freezing conditions have badly affected staple crops including sweet potatoes (kaukau), Irish potatoes, vegetables, beans, and other subsistence food sources that many families rely on for daily survival and income.
Farmers are now raising serious concern over the scale of destruction, with many gardens ..especially those nearing harvest..reportedly damaged or completely destroyed. The sudden frost has left families worried about possible food shortages and rising hardship in the coming weeks if cold conditions continue.
Local community leaders are encouraging residents to closely monitor their gardens, protect remaining crops where possible, and prepare for continued cold weather patterns linked to the ongoing El Niño..affected climate conditions impacting the Highlands region.
This event highlights the ongoing vulnerability of rural communities in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, where both drought and frost extremes are increasingly threatening food security, livelihoods, and local economies.
As morning light spreads across Tambul, damaged crops are already showing signs of wilting and stress after the overnight freeze. Meteorological conditions suggest more frost may occur in the coming nights.
Communities are calling for support, awareness, and preparedness as they face another challenging period. We trust God for protection and provision during this difficult time.🙏
📸 Situation still developing .. more updates to follow as assessments continue.
