Earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hits PNG, Prime Minister O'Neill issues alert

Goods stored in a store room were thrown out on the floor
by the earthquake. Photo shows some goods thrown on the floor
at Gazzelle International Hotel in Kokopo.

An earthquake of  magnitude 7.4 on the Richter scale according to the US Geological Survey  has hit East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has been briefed by the Governor of East New Britain, Ereman Tobaining, on the earthquake that occurred yesterday near Kokopo.

Governor Tobaining has advised the Prime Minister that there are no reports of damage in the area and the Provincial Disaster Office is monitoring the situation.

Prime Minister O'Neill has directed Defence, National Disaster and other response assets and personnel to be on alert should there be further seismic activity.

Following earlier undersea earthquakes in the area over the past week, Prime Minister O'Neill has also called on people in the region to be vigilant.

"There are precautions that people must take when they feel an earthquake of any magnitude.

"In our island regions people have to be particularly vigilant for the potential of tsunamis.

"I call on local leaders to ensure you communicate with your people and in particular continue to education children on the warning signs.

"This is a serious issue and like all countries in the ring-of-fire around the Pacific we have to be prepared."