Earthquakes

PNG is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity. Earthquakes occur regularly, and in 2018, a major earthquake in the Highlands region affected over 3 million people, causing an estimated $148 million in damages. The region is prone to both shallow and deep earthquakes, posing significant risks to buildings and infrastructure​

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Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic eruptions are another frequent hazard in PNG, with numerous active volcanoes across the country. Approximately 17% of the population lives within 30 km of a volcano. Eruptions can lead to ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava eruptions, affecting not only local communities but also disrupting air traffic​

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Tsunamis

Tsunamis are a serious risk for coastal populations in PNG, as the country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. In particular, regions near tectonic plate boundaries are vulnerable to underwater earthquakes that could trigger tsunamis. High-risk areas include the coastal regions of the islands and mainland​

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Cyclones and Extreme Weather

Cyclones are another major hazard in PNG, with the country experiencing frequent storms that bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. Between 1999 and 2018, PNG was ranked among the countries most affected by extreme weather events​

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.Cyclones, combined with the impacts of El Niño and La Niña weather patterns, can lead to severe droughts and flooding, causing agricultural and water supply disruptions.

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Flooding and Landslides

Flooding is common in PNG due to heavy rains, particularly in the rainy season. Landslides are often triggered by intense rainfall and the mountainous terrain of the country. In 2018, the Highlands earthquake also led to widespread landslides, compounding the disaster's impact​

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Droughts and Water Scarcity

While droughts are less frequent, they are a significant concern, particularly during El Niño years when rainfall levels drop dramatically. Droughts exacerbate water scarcity issues, particularly in rural areas, affecting agriculture and food security​

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In addition to these direct hazards, PNG is facing indirect challenges such as coral bleaching and ocean acidification, which threaten its rich marine biodiversity and coastal communities dependent on fishing for their livelihoods​.

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Given these risks, it is crucial for PNG to prioritize disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts to protect lives, reduce economic losses, and strengthen resilience to future hazards.