Sydney, March 25, 2024, On Sunday, Papua New Guinea was struck by a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The quake's epicenter was located in the East Sepik province, specifically impacting areas around Ambunti and Wewak, resulting in widespread destruction, according to Xinhua.
Local media sources have confirmed the tragic loss of at least three lives due to the earthquake, including a mother and child in Jikinumbu village, as well as a young boy in Sotmeri village. These heartbreaking casualties underscore the severity of the disaster and its immediate impact on local communities.
The earthquake has exacerbated the challenges already faced by the East Sepik province, which has been grappling with flooding issues. The combined effects of the quake and ongoing floods have inflicted significant damage, particularly to residential structures, with reports indicating that over 1,000 houses have been destroyed.
The situation in the affected areas remains critical, with authorities and humanitarian organizations mobilizing efforts to provide assistance and support to those affected by this devastating natural disaster.
