Communication failures between Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Centre and provincial offices are hindering the delivery of crucial drought relief as the country braces for a potentially severe El Niño event. Health Minister Dr. Billy Joseph cited these gaps as the primary obstacle to effective aid distribution. The PNG National Weather Service warns this El Niño could be one of the strongest ever recorded, peaking in late 2026 to early 2027. Currently, the National Capital District and Gulf Province are already experiencing critical drought conditions. To improve information flow and coordination, the government is actively installing Starlink satellite internet services. The ongoing delays underscore the urgent need for streamlined communication to mitigate the impact of the prolonged drought.