Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill says all provinces affected by last month's 7.5 earthquake have received relief and medical supplies.
Photo: Twitter/ CARE
He said the number of exact fatalities may never be known due to the remote locations involved.
In an update to parliament he said the situation was compounded by the fact that many bodies will not be recovered from under landslips.
Speaking in New Zealand yesterday, the Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato said around 150 people were killed in the quake.
UN relief agencies estimate around 270,000 people are in urgent need of aid.
However, Mr O'Neill told parliament many health centres in both Hela and Southern Highlands provinces have been badly damaged.
Public Health authorities in both provinces have been asked to provide lists of the medical equipment and drugs they need.
Mr O'Neill told parliament the financial situation was manageable despite logistical challenges.
"We are making continuous headway in the relief effort with most affected villages reached and more remote sites now being targeted," he said.
"Logistical challenges are being overcome even with the withdrawal of Australian and New Zealand air assets."
