Shops in Kiunga town are already running out of basic food items as low water levels are hampering the movement of cargo shipments into the town.

Most shops are running low on essential food items, including rice, while flour is completely out of stock in several stores.

Each day, some shops bring out only a limited number of bags of rice, which are quickly bought by customers.

One-kilogram packets of rice are also being rationed, with some shops allowing customers to purchase a maximum of two packets, while others limit customers to one packet each.

With supplies running low, residents are increasingly turning to locally grown garden produce at the market, including sago.

However, the price of bananas, one of the most popular food items, has increased per comb. The quantity of sago packed in plastic bags has also decreased, while the price remains at K5.

Following rainfall on Thursday, residents are hopeful that the water level will rise enough to allow cargo ships carrying essential food supplies to reach the wharf, berth and unload their cargo.

For many residents, the arrival of the next shipment is becoming increasingly urgent as stocks of basic food items continue to dwindle.