At least five people have lost their lives, and approximately 1,000 homes have been destroyed following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck flood-affected areas in northern Papua New Guinea. The disaster unfolded in the midst of ongoing major flooding along the Sepik River, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird confirmed the devastating impact, stating that emergency teams are still evaluating the full extent of the damage across the province. The earthquake, which hit early Sunday morning, severely affected numerous villages situated along the riverbanks, compounding the difficulties caused by the flooding.
Christopher Tamari, the provincial police commander, reported that five deaths have been officially recorded, although the actual number of fatalities may be higher. Images captured after the earthquake depict scenes of wooden houses collapsing into flooded areas, highlighting the immediate aftermath’s destruction.
Papua New Guinea is no stranger to seismic activity, being situated within the seismic “Ring of Fire.” This region experiences frequent tectonic movements, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While earthquakes are not uncommon in the country’s jungle highlands, they can trigger landslides that pose additional risks to communities.
Given the challenging terrain and limited infrastructure in many parts of Papua New Guinea, search-and-rescue operations face significant obstacles, particularly in rural areas. The disaster response efforts are ongoing, with authorities and relief agencies mobilizing resources to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake and subsequent flooding.
Sources By Agencies
