PNG earthquake 2018

Residents in Ialibu and Hela have confirmed that the quake had been a strong one, lasting for almost 10 seconds.

The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) says the epicentre was about 45km West of Tari. 

Details are:

Time:                     3.48 pm

Location:              5.8 ° S, 142.5 ° E

Depth:                  10km

Mag:                      6.3

“The earthquake occurred as a result of fault movements in the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt, which runs parallel to the axial mountain range of PNG,” reports the PMGO.

An update on the status of the relief efforts was presented during a media conference yesterday with the emergency controller, Dr Bill Hamblin, at the Emergency office at Gordon, Port Moresby.

Dr Hamblin said the relief efforts still continue however, supplies for Tari-Pori alone have been put on hold due to the tribal warfare.

He said for the other provinces and impacted areas, the relief supplies are still being distributed.

The Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC), a sectoral committee of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC), is appealing to community leaders, tribal leaders and individuals, including men, to put an end to the fighting and pursue conflict resolution so that much needed humanitarian support and government assistance can continue into the province.

Minister Marape said although he wholeheartedly appreciates the response from those who have gone out of their way to assist in the little way they can, the relief effort will now go into its second phase – restoration.

In a press conference, Marape said the ‘stop’ is just so the burden is taken off those sincere Papua New Guineans who have given donations in kind and cash.

He said he was greatly touched by the outstanding response and the heartfelt gestures in this time of need.

The Emergency Control team has released a statement noting that the security situation which has put lives of relief workers, public servants and the general public in danger might just have a negative impact on the relief efforts.

Under the above circumstances, it is essential that the security situation be immediately brought under control. 

Emergency controller Dr. William Hamblin, in accordance with his duties under section 4 of the Emergency (General Powers) Act 2018, and powers conferred on him under Section 5 of the Act, has authorised that;

UPNG, its staff and all of its students have combined with the representative student union members from Hela, Southern Highlands, Enga, Western and Gulf Provinces for the event.

A full day of activities, including appeals from representatives of the affected areas, will be held in the Forum Square, Waigani Campus, on Friday 6 April 2018, commencing at 9am.

Upon the presentation of the plan to the Government through the Emergency Controller Dr William Hamblin last week, the Government allocated K4 million for the plan to be implemented.

The North Fly emergency response team is among others working tirelessly to distribute food and medical supplies and tarpaulins with water catchment tanks, items that were donated as well as purchased by the local MP.

Mogulu station in Western Province has been the base of relief supplies which the team has been dispatching to the five care centres of Dodomona, Adumari, Digasubi, Huya and Walagu.

It is estimated close to 5,000 affected people are in the care centres.

Adumari has 826 people, Dodomona 1,550, Huya 1,405 and Walagu 1,207.

These supplies were presented by the US embassy, under their USAID and partners International Organization for Migration, to the head of PNG’s National Disaster office, Martin Mose, at the Air Niugini Cargo Hangar yesterday.

These supplies will benefit at least 18,000 people in need of shelter, emergency water and sanitation.

The water and sanitation kits are meant for at least 45,000 families, and supply kits for 800 families.

The kits contain tarpaulins, nails, ropes, cooking pots, dishes, soap and 15 litre water containers.

This was the message sent by one Robert Hoey, who reached out to the Hela Earthquake Relief group.

He told them of how they only wanted a good shower with a piece of soap and a bucket of water.

Hoey also highlighted needs for tents and be taken to a secure place.