Thousands of residents in Saroa village, Rigo District, Central Province, are struggling to find enough water as prolonged dry conditions continue.

Families are waking up as early as 4am to collect water from the drying Ginimare creek and local wells.

According to local Village Councillor Koroa Koroa, the village depends on two wells — one used for washing and another for cooking and drinking.

Residents say household water tanks have run dry, forcing people to queue for water or travel to other communities.

Those with transport can collect water from the Kempweltch River near Kwikila, while some families depend on relatives in Port Moresby.

The crisis is also affecting food supplies.

Local resident Jerry Gari said food gardens are producing little, leaving families increasingly dependent on purchased food and financial support from relatives.

Residents are calling for urgent government assistance, including emergency water supplies and food relief.

The situation raises serious concerns about how rural communities will cope if dry conditions continue into December and January.

For families in Saroa, access to clean drinking water has become a daily struggle.