Sydney sources reported that a report said as details of "extensive" damage began to emerge that more than 30 people are believed to have died after a powerful earthquake struck Papua New Guinea's mountainous interior. Accordingly the 7.5 magnitude tremor struck 90 kilometers south of Porgera in the Pacific nation's Enga province early yesterday, with two strong aftershocks rattling the rugged region.
Further sources reported that at least 13 died in the Southern Highlands capital Mendi while 18 others were believed to have been killed in nearby Kutubu and Bosave. Some 300 people were injured, it added, and properties damaged, with reports of landslides and sinkholes. Meanwhile the Papua New Guinea Today website, quoted Catholic priest Pius Hal, said at least 10 died, including four children, in quake-triggered landslides and the AFP was unable to confirm the death toll.
Moreover the government's Chief Secretary Isaac
Lupari said in a statement that the government assessment team was due to fly
into the area today to get a better idea of the impact, with the military
mobilized to help restore services and infrastructure.
