No injuries have been reported so far from Oil Search following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Highlands at 3.44am today.
“Oil Search’s primary concern is the safety of our employees and contractors. The Company is presently confirming that all personnel have been accounted for,” says the firm in a statement.
“As a precautionary measure and in order to assess any damage to facilities, Oil Search’s production operations in the PNG Highlands are in the process of being shut-down.
“ExxonMobil PNG Ltd has confirmed that the PNG LNG facility at Hides has also been safely shut down.
“We are also monitoring the impact on people in our local communities and will assist the relevant authorities, where possible.”
Meanwhile, Loop PNG has been reliably informed that the earthquake in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, lasted for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Only minor damages were visible on small buildings.
Relevant authorities are yet to release updated information.
(Oil rig in the Southern Highlands Province – Picture: ABC)