Papua New Guinea is facing its worst drought in 20 years and a looming food crisis but Prime Minister Peter O'Neill insists the situation is under control for now.
El Nino conditions exacerbated by climate change have created unusually dry conditions and frosts, destroying the home vegetable gardens of subsistence farmers in highlands provinces.
The government continues to dispatch emergency food rations to the worst affected-areas.
His county had the capacity to maintain food and medical supplies for the time being, Mr O'Neill said.
But down the track, he may call on Australia to provide some logistical support such as Defence choppers to help distribute supplies to remote areas.
"We're not at that stage yet," he told AAP in Port Moresby.
Scores of schools across PNG have reduced operating hours or closed temporarily because of limited drinking water or sanitation.
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