MELBOURNE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The police minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has warned that police will crack down on anyone who exploits the country's El Nino-induced drought for personal or criminal gain.
Sir John Pundari told PNG's National Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday that the national police force is coordinating with the defense force, disaster authorities and provincial governments to ensure security during the El Nino crisis.
"Anyone who exploits the misery of another human being is a disgrace, and they will face charges for any crimes they commit," he said.
PNG is in the midst of a severe drought linked to the El Nino climate phenomenon, with Oxfam PNG estimating that up to 3 million people could be affected.
In addition to drought, Pundari said that communities should prepare for water rationing, power shortages in areas dependent on hydroelectricity, bushfires, deteriorating air quality and social tensions linked to resource scarcity.
PNG newspaper The National reported on Tuesday that Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey said PNG can access up to 300 million kina (about 68 million U.S. dollars) in drought support financing from the World Bank. ■