The National Government has the resource to stand ready to assist places that will be hit by the El Nino. That's the assurance given by Prime Minister James Marape when responding to questions from the Member for Alotau on the government's capacity of respond to natural disasters. Marape said the government is aware of the National Weather Service forecast for the next couple of months and has asked the finance department to enable flexible access for provincial and districts to access funds to help the people affected when hit by El Nino. Marape said the government will be overlooking all the disaster assistance. "National Government will overlay support, that's our duty and responsibility," said the PM. "I want to give full assurance, the National Government will be standing by to assist." Meanwhile, the Member for Alotau stated that the National Weather Service indicated that the long dry spell has started for parts of Papua New Guinea and his district is also listed on the drought alert; hence the concern for disaster relief supply.