NWS issues cyclone warning

VILLAGES along the coastline of PNG and outer lying islands must now prepare for possible cyclone in the wet season which starts next month.
National Weather Service (NWS) assistant director Jimmy Gomoga said: “By November, we go into tropical cyclone season. We must be prepared for one or two cyclone occurrences in the high risk zones which are in the Solomon Sea areas covering Milne Bay to Oro and in the Coral Seas covering the Central coasts to Western.”
He warned people living along the coast to be prepared by:
* Fixing loose boards and roofing iron at their homes;
* Placing support timber or wood tied with ropes on weak structures;
* Chopping down dead trees or weak branches near their homes; and 
* Avoiding going out to sea when bad weather or strong wind warnings are issued over radio.
Gomoga said the public was welcome to also contact the NWS on telephone 325 2788, to enquire in advance on the weather forecast in order to be better prepared.
Meanwhile, the current heavy rain experienced in most regions, as well as ice formation in the highlands, were expected as PNG goes through the transitional season this month, which has the weather changing from dry to wet season, or La Nina.
“We should expect the La Nina season to continue until early February 2011.
“Around mid 2011 to 2012, our data forecast reveals we should expect a prolonged period of El Nino that may result in drought in most areas which the country must be prepared for,” Gomoga said.
He advised that people should be working closely with the National Agriculture Research Institute to obtain seedlings and learn how to plant drought-resistant crops in preparation for the prolonged dry weather.