PNG bracing for severe drought

Papua New Guinea is in the midst of what could be its worst drought in close to 20 years.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is rolling out drought relief to the worst affected communities including deliveries of water and rice.

High-altitude areas in five highland provinces, as well as parts of Morobe and Central provinces, are experiencing frost that is destroying food crops.

Mr O'Neill blamed the dry spell on El Nino and climate change.

The situation is so bad scores of schools nation wide have reduced operating hours or had to close temporarily because of limited water for drinking or sanitation.

Provinces reliant on growing sweet potatoes or kaukau are expected to face a significant hit because of frost damage and dry soil, the prime minister said in a statement.

Provinces dependent on sago and banana crops are expected to pull through but will face some pressure for water sources.

Mr O'Neill will tour drought-stricken areas this week.

CARE emergency response coordinator Blossum Gilmour said it was very early days in the drought response and PNG authorities were still assessing long-term needs.

Remote villagers reliant on home gardens for food may not have crops for at least 12 months if the rainy season fails to start in October as normal.

"The village courts are hearing cases of theft from home gardens which never happens in normal circumstances," Ms Gilmour told AAP.