Chief Secretary to Government, Isaac Lupari said: “The National Disaster Centre is working with provincial authorities to assess any damage and impacts on service delivery in the area.
“The Papua New Guinea Defence Force has also been mobilised to assist with the assessment and the delivery of assistance to affected people as well as the restoration of services and infrastructure.
“Information will be provided as this is made available from assessment teams in the area.
“As this assessment process is underway, it is important that people in the Southern Highlands and Hela be aware of the dangers of earthquake aftershocks.
“It is advisable to stay out of multi-storey buildings, to be aware of the potential of landslides, and to be prepared to move to open ground in the event that an aftershock is felt.”
(File pic of Lupari)