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Papua New Guinea: Earthquake - Sep 2022

Estado
Pasado
Países
Papúa Nueva Guinea
Tipos de desastres
Terremoto

On 11 September at 9:46 local time (10 September at 23:46 UTC), a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck about 67 km east of Kainantu, Eastern Highlands and 80 km north-west of Lae Morobe according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was felt around the country, including in Port Moresby with moderate to severe shaking. A second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 occurred at 10:42 local time about 73 km north-west of the epicentre of the previous earthquake. The Disaster Management Team reported moderate to heavy damages to dwellings made from light materials and minor to moderate structural damages to multi-story buildings in communities around the epicentre and as far away as the Morobe provincial capital of Lae and in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, about 120 km from the epicentre. According to the USGS, about 2.5 million people or 475,000 households live within 95 km of the epicentre. (ECHO, 11 Sep 2022)

One day following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck about 67 km (41 miles) east of Kainantu, Eastern Highlands, information is beginning to emerge on its impacts. The number of confirmed deaths is now seven — including three newly reported deaths in Kabwum district, Morobe, at the epicentre of the quake, according to Police Commissioner David Manning. (UNCT in PNG, 12 Sep 2022)

According to the latest report of the Papua New Guinea Disaster Management Team (DMT), 24 people have been injured, and 389 houses collapsed (all in Madang Town). In addition, the same source reports widespread power outages, communication infrastructure disruptions and damage to roads and bridges. (ECHO, 13 Sep 2022)

The total number of confirmed deaths is now 12. The number of people with injuries is now at 42. Assessments were completed in Morobe and Eastern Highlands provinces. Primary observations conclude that damages were mostly limited to dwellings and other structures made from light materials. (UNCT in PNG, 16 Sep 2022)

Official assessments from Morobe, Madang and Eastern Highlands indicated 21 total deaths and 30 people with injuries. 1,076 permanent, semi-permanent and traditional houses damaged or destroyed. The Morobe assessment report indicated 3,211 people in total were affected and 191 food gardens were damaged or destroyed in 8 districts, namely Lae, Huon, Markham, Nawaeb, Kabum, Wau/Waria, Tewai/Siassi and Finschhafen. Properties in 7 educational institutions in Markham and Huon districts sustained damages. Classes have been suspended in the schools of Markham District. Other affected community infrastructures include water sources, power lines, public buildings, jetties, and roads. Along with damage to jetties and roads, increased risk of landslides and landslips also affect accessibility of affected areas. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently take refuge with relatives or friends. The Madang provincial administration reported that 5 educational institutions in the affected districts, Dike Bridge in Raicoast District and Dilup Bridge in Sumkar District were negatively impacted. According to the Eastern Highlands assessment report, the University of Goroka student dormitory was damaged to the extent that 1,600 resident students were forced to vacate and stay in a number of classrooms. The university library was similarly impacted along with other schools, churches, health facilities, water tanks, food and cash crop gardens and bridges in the Kainantu and Obura/Wonerara districts, as well as roads, particularly the Okuk highway between Kainantu town and Kassam Pass. (UNCT in PNG, 16 Oct 2022)