Five people were killed in the earthquake in Papua New Guinea | world and science

The earthquake caused cracks in roads in Papua New GuineaInstagram / Play

Posted on 11/09/2022 10:29

At least five people were killed Sunday, 11, in a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Papua New Guinea, Oceania. The earthquake destroyed buildings, caused landslides, and left many injured. Residents of several cities in the north of the country reported a strong mid-morning earthquake.

Representative Casey Swang said at least two people had died in the mountain villages and four had been taken to hospital in serious condition. “The damage was huge,” the deputy said. A landslide buried several homes and “split in two” a city, where “many people lost their homes.”

In addition, three miners died and were buried. Communications in the area are poor and paved roads are scarce, so at this time it is difficult to balance the damage. Small airlines and important groups participated in the rescue effort to transport some of the wounded. “It’s very difficult because of the terrain and the weather. It’s a huge challenge,” said Nelly Bomay of Manolos Aviation.

The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was 67 kilometers from the city of Kenanto. The quake was felt in the capital, Port Moresby, 480 km away.

Residents of Lai and Madang, near the epicenter, said the earthquakes this time were more pronounced than previous ones. “Very strong,” said Hevi Abukor, a worker at the Jes Abyan resort near the coastal city of Madang.

Prime Minister James Marab recommended that residents take refuge in the heights, but said the damage should be less than it was in 2018, when at least 126 people died. Papua New Guinea is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is an earthquake-prone region.