Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea Causing At Least 4 Dead and Property Damages

Papua New Guinea suffered from a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. While the extent of the earthquake is still undetermined, the regional power grid, communication towers, and regional to rural highways were reported damaged.

According to the U.S Geological Survey, the earthquake hit at 9: 46 a.m (local time) at a depth of 90 kilometers (56 miles).

Papua New Guinea is on the Pacific Ocean Ring of Fire where earthquake seismic activity is often felt.

Furthermore, Reuters reported that the powerful earthquake struck about 67 km east of Kainantu and 80 km northwest of Lae in the eastern region.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Asia and the Pacific PNG disaster management team said that one person suffered from a landslide in Rai Coast, Madang, while the three others were buried in Wau, Morobe, according to the Reuters report on September 11, 2022.

People who were injured and required immediate treatment were airlifted to the nearest hospital.

Considerable damage

A seismologist at the Geophysical Observatory Port Moresby said that the earthquake's impact is still early to know.

According to an article in Phys.org, the strength still might have caused considerable damage.

Meanwhile, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advised that there is no tsunami threat

Furthermore, the internet cables, communication towers, the regional highway, regional power grid, rural roads, health care centers, and homes were damaged, but the airport is operational.

The damage to the power grid caused a power outage in the Eastern Highlands.

In the Phys.org report, geologist Renagi Ravu said he met with his colleagues when the 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolted Papua New Guinea.

In his town of Kainant, located 41 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, he added that the quake was violent, unlike other earthquakes they felt.

With experts still assessing the earthquake's full impact, Ravu said that reports from his friends cracked roads and fallen debris, but with no major building collapses.

The same report explained the 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the country in 2018.

It resulted in catastrophic damage causing 125 people dead.

Earthquake aftermath

The aftermath of a strong earthquake is devastating, with a potential threat to lives and property. There are possibilities that major roads could be affected, and communications lines could be cut.

In the aftermath, better to evacuate to the nearest shelter if your house or property is heavily damaged.

Check yourself or your family if injured, and seek immediate health assistance.

Moreover, having an emergency bag with basic food supplies, medicines, and primary documents is also important for any natural disasters.

Report to nearby authorities situation. Call your family that you are safe.

Avoid traveling to areas affected by the earthquake, as the road might have been closed or damaged. Coordinate with the local authorities.

Ultimately, listen to television, social media, or radio news for new announcements about the earthquake.