Papua New Guinea villagers eat clay and toxic mushrooms as severe drought hits
by Jo Chandler from on (#WC36)
Experts warn of crisis in the making in some provinces where extreme El Nino climate conditions have devastated crops
People in drought-ravaged villages in Papua New Guinea are eating toxic mushrooms and clay to stave off hunger pangs as crops fail, vanishing water sources become contaminated and food, medical and fuel supplies are exhausted.
Leprosy and severe, potentially fatal, gastrointestinal cases have spiked in some villages in one province, including suspected cholera or typhoid, international experts working in the area reported.
