The Sepik River has fallen to levels not seen in years, with water depths dropping more than 15 metres since July and cracks appearing along its banks — forcing warnings for residents to relocate.
In the riverside community of Pagwi, the retreating waterline has transformed the waterfront. What was once a bustling jetty is now a barren stretch of cracked earth, the result of a drought locals say is part of the “usual” but worsening weather patterns.
About 10 days ago, fissures began to snake inland for 300 metres. Last week, the largest slide so far tore away a 100-metre-long section of riverbank, up to 50 metres wide and plunging more than 15 metres into the riverbed.
Cracks continue to spread, threatening homes and gardens that cling to the edge of the river. Authorities are urging those living near the waterfront to move to safer ground.
For families along the Sepik and its tributaries, the crisis is twofold — the loss of safe land to live on, and the loss of the river itself, the artery that sustains their transport, food, and water.