23 Nov 2007

Papua New Guinea city of Lae hit by strong earthquake

10:26 am on 23 November 2007

The US Geological Survey says a 6-point-7 magnitude earthquake has hit Papua New Guinea's second largest city, Lae.

The Survey says the quake was not powerful enough to generate a tsunami

Larry George, manager of the local City Mission, said items fell off shelves, water tanks burst and parts of the city were plunged into darkness as electricity supplies were disrupted.

Mr George says Lae often has small tremors but last night's quake was the biggest many longterm residents had felt.