PNG earthquake 2018

This is according to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference based on reports received from the Mendi Diocese in SHP.

General Secretary for Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Father Victor Roche, said coordination amongst authorities, churches and parties on ground is key during this trying time. 

Initial reports provided by the Mendi Diocese following the earthquake confirm 20 deaths in Hela Province and 35 in parts of Mendi.

James Donald says most of the areas affected were remote and could only be reached by air. 

Most affected villages in North Fly, according to reports, are those along the border of Hela and Southern Highlands provinces, and are from Nomad and Olsobip LLGs.

On Wednesday, 28 February, MAF performed a joint-effort medevac for a woman outside Huya Airstrip in a village called Fau.

MAF received the report and Sharlene Coker, who is not only MAF PNG’s operations assistant but is also trained as MAF international global disaster response administrator and operations specialist, worked with Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) to get coordinates for this village in the hope that one of their translators was familiar with this particular village.

Dr. Martin Sa’avu, Director of Medical Services for Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, revealed this while commending the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the provision of medical supplies.

“These materials are vital and timely to help us care for the victims of this tragedy, we pray that our people will endure this sad experience,” Dr. Sa’avu said.

One week has passed since the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Highlands region.

National emergency controller, Dr Bill Hamblin, revealed that during a meeting they found that the data provided by teams dispatched, especially from the National Disaster office, into the affected areas lacked the specific information needed to take appropriate action.

Dr Hamblin said it was very disappointing as the reports were generalised by the team.

This was announced by the Emergency Controller Dr Bill Hamblin in a press conference yesterday afternoon, which was also attended by members of the committee including secretaries for works and finance, national disaster director and representatives from ExxonMobil and Oil Search.

The Emergency Controller said the monies will go towards the aid however, there will be specific requirements for funds to be utilised – including way of purchase orders.

He said in this way there is transparency and order in utilising of the funds for relief and humanitarian purposes.

A medical team has been dispatched and medevac exercises have commenced today as well.

The Hela Provincial Disaster Committee is headed by Provincial Administrator William Bando and comprises the Tari Hospital CEO, Oil Search Foundation, Hela Province provincial police commander and stakeholders.

The committee made a series of trips to Koroba-Kopiago, Tari-Pori, Komo and parts of Western and Sandaun Provinces and have reported extensive damage.

Amid the aftershocks of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Papua New Guinea’s commodities producing central highlands, its strongest in recorded history, officials meeting in Port Moresby last week accelerated work to improve disaster early warning systems here and across APEC economies. The aim is to raise regional preparedness and recovery as threat levels escalate.

Water, shelter and food are urgently needed in these impacted villages.

The Advancing PNG Women’s Network, CDI Foundation and Hela Meri Never Give-Up are running a 2-week earthquake relief appeal in Port Moresby.

“We are appealing specifically to the public.

“Yumi harim long reidio, lukim long TV na yumi filim sori na yumi laik givim na halivim na givim sampla samting, there’s place, a platform where we can donate,” stated Cathy Alex from Advancing PNG Women’s Network.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has reported the earthquake has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people and hundreds more have been injured. These figures may change as the situation in remote areas becomes better known.

Australia is providing $200,000 (K501,000) worth of humanitarian support, including tarpaulins, water purification tablets, and water containers.