A devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake has claimed at least five lives and demolished around 1,000 homes in Papua New Guinea.
The quake hit early Sunday, exacerbating the flood crisis along the Sepik River.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird reported significant damage throughout the province, with emergency teams assessing the extensive impact.
Police commander Christopher Tamari warned that the death toll might rise as rescue operations continue in the hard-to-reach areas.
The natural disaster has prompted urgent needs for medical aid, clean water, and shelter.
In response, Prime Minister James Marape has sanctioned a US$130 million emergency fund to support the affected regions, which have also suffered from recent floods, landslides, and other climate-related calamities.
Papua New Guinea, home to the Sepik River—often compared to the Amazon for its ecological richness—frequently experiences earthquakes due to its position on the seismic “Ring of Fire.”
The country’s remote communities, separated by rugged terrain, face challenges in disaster response, highlighting its vulnerability to natural hazards.
