EARTHQUAKE ASSESSMENT UNDERWAY

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Disaster Center (NDC) has confirmed that the assessment of the damages caused by the massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake in the East Sepik province early this morning, is now underway. It is understood that due to logistical issues, the provincial disaster team will have some difficulties reaching the communities at the epicenter of the quake this morning; however, it is hoped that most of the information on the impacts of the earthquake, including the affected communities and their casualties, will be made known tomorrow the earliest so that help can reach them. Meanwhile, the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory reported that the earthquake occurred as a result of interaction between the South Bismarck micro Plate and the major Australian Plate, in the vicinity of Chambri Lakes, approximately 120km southwest of Wewak, East Sepik Province. The earthquake occurred at the deeper part of the leading edge of the Australian Plate, at an area of known seismic zone. The earthquake was felt in Wewak, Madang and other Highlands Provinces. In Goroka, the earthquake was felt with earthquake intensity of MM5 (Modified Mercalli earthquake Intensity scale).

Mathias Konga Junior