Cyclone Alfred Hits PNG’s Coastal Communities

In Gadaisu and Wabumari, Papua New Guinea, communities are feeling the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand, with extreme weather in the form of Cyclone Alfred wiping out homes, food, and safety. These communities are not just fighting to survive, they are the guardians of vital rainforests that help regulate our planet’s climate.

If they can’t stay, their forests won’t be protected, and we all lose a crucial defence against the climate crisis. When Cyclone Alfred hit the Milne Bay coastline, powerful winds and surging seas turned villages into flood zones.

Flooding in Gadaisu community, Papua New Guinea

A Village Underwater

Once on dry land, Gadaisu is now surrounded by water. Footpaths disappeared, gardens flooded, and homes were left standing in pools of seawater. As the cyclone’s winds ripped off roofs and walls, families sought shelter inland, crammed into schools or staying with relatives.

“At times like this we usually move to the school to take shelter and wait for the cyclone or strong winds to pass, because the school is inland, that’s the only place we go for shelter and for others who have relatives further inland, they go and live with them until the storm passes.” – Councillor for Gadaisu Steven Sena.

Children paddled canoes through what used to be their playgrounds. Where they once ran barefoot on dry land, they now swam beneath their homes. The sea is creeping further inland, turning the familiar landscape into an unrecognisable, waterlogged world.

Homes destroyed by the cyclone

Trapped

For the people of Gadaisu, relocating permanently isn’t an option. Their village sits on ancestral land, passed down for generations. Even if they wanted to move, land disputes with neighbouring communities make it impossible. While some people retreat inland temporarily, they always return because this is home.

“We have been living in Gadaisu for a really long time. Our great grandparents and before them. Many generations have come and gone, and we still live here. This is our land, we belong here therefore, we cannot move to another area.”

Livelihoods Washed Away

Flooded food gardens mean entire communities face food shortages. Vegetables rot, banana trees struggle to stay upright, and livestock cling to tiny patches of dry land. Without gardens, there’s no food. Without food, survival becomes uncertain.

“Our animals like pigs, dogs and chickens have all run away into the bushes because our houses are all in water. Our gardens are destroyed, and we cannot get food to cook and feed our families, our lives depend on these gardens.”

Gardens and crops have been completely submerged, risking food insecurity

What can you do?

This crisis is not just an environmental catastrophe; it’s a matter of human rights. Indigenous communities should not have to endure these challenges on their own. They require immediate assistance, and they need it now.

When you contribute to Cool Earth, you’re enabling us to assist rainforest communities, helping them continue their vital work in protecting their forests. Your donations are unconditional, allowing us to allocate funds where they’re needed most.

In times of crisis, we can quickly adapt our activities to ensure your support provides essential financial aid.

Your ongoing, unconditional contributions ensure that we can always be there for rainforest communities when they need help the most.