17 Aug 2018

PNG quake disaster response a huge logistical challenge

From , 5:04 am on 17 August 2018

Nearly six months since a magnitude 7.5 quake struck Papua New Guinea's Highlands region, response efforts are transiting from the relief phase into one of recovery

The quake, which was centred in Hela province, was followed by significant aftershocks and landslides, affected several provinces.  

The disaster killed at least 180 people, caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure and - according to the UN - directly affected over 500-thousand people.

PNG's Emergency Controller, Bill Hamblin, told Johnny Blades the response is moving into the recovery phase.

Bill Hamblin

Bill Hamblin Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins