Livelihoods threatened as extreme blaze engulfs Lou Island

An extreme bushfire has engulfed large areas of Lou Island in the Manus Province of Papua New Guinea. The blaze, driven by strong winds and extreme dry weather, has destroyed vital food gardens and forests while posing a direct threat to local villages.

Local authorities have issued an urgent call for assistance as they struggle to contain the rapidly spreading fire. The disaster severely jeopardizes the livelihoods and food security of the island's residents, who rely heavily on their natural environment and gardens for sustenance.