PNG: Disruptions ongoing following magnitude-6.9 earthquake in East Sepik Province as of March 25 /update 1

Disruptions are ongoing in parts of East Sepik Province as of March 25 following a magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck near the center of the province early March 24. As of March 25, authorities have reported at least five fatalities, and around 1,000 homes and other buildings across the province have been damaged. Dozens of villages along the Sepik River that have been impacted by recent flooding are among the worst affected areas. Damage to roads and bridges and the ongoing flood situation is making it difficult for emergency personnel to access parts of the affected area; damage assessments are ongoing in parts of East Sepik and neighboring Madang Province as of March 25, and further casualties and damage may be confirmed over the coming days.

The magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck in central East Sepik Province at around 06:22 on March 24. The epicenter was about 32 km (20 miles) east-northeast of Ambunti. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 35 km (22 miles). Moderate-to-strong shaking was probably felt in areas near the epicenter, and lighter shaking was likely felt in other parts of northwestern Papua New Guinea. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.