Prime Minister James Marape has appealed to people to take extra care following the massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake which between Morobe and Eastern Highlands this morning.
Such was the magnitude of the earthquake that it was also felt in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. PM Marape said national and provincial disaster agencies, as well as leaders, had been asked to assess the scale of damage and injuries to people and attend to these as soon as possible. PM Marape said the PNG Defence Force and Police had also been put on alert to respond to emergencies if needed.
“I am very concerned about the impact of this massive 7.7 earthquake which struck between Morobe and Eastern Highlands, and appeal for calm among our people,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. “I also appeal to our people to help each other where you can in this time. “National and provincial disaster agencies, as well as leaders, have been asked to assess the damage and injuries to people and attend to these as soon as possible.
“Initial reports are that dormitories at the University of Goroka have been extensively damaged and we are also assessing Lae, Bulolo, Markham and Huon Gulf districts in Morobe; Kainantu and Goroka districts in Eastern Highlands; the Bulolo, Highlands and Ramu highways; Yonki Hydro Power Station; and mine areas in Bulolo and Kainantu; among others. “I appeal to people living in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
“The PNG Defence Force and Police have also been put on alert to respond to emergencies and put in place our response plan with a meeting being convened at our disaster response centre at Morauta House. At 3pm today I will announce our interim response plan to the nation whilst awaiting full assessments.”