6.4 magnitude quake hits NIP, but no reports of damage

A 6.4 MAGNITUDE earthquake struck New Ireland yesterday but there were no reports of damage to property or loss of lives.
The Department of Mineral Policy and Geo-hazards Management in a statement said the earthquake was caused by interacting tectonic plates.
“There is no tsunami threat due to the considerable depth of the earthquake,” it said.
The epicentre of the earthquake was 50km north-west of Namatanai, and located at a depth of 370km.
The earthquake struck a week before the first anniversary of the 7.5 magnitude one which claimed lives and properties in the highlands region last year. It struck on Feb 26 with its epicentre in Nipa-Kutubu district of Southern Highlands.
Major aftershocks which followed claimed more lives and caused widespread damage in Southern Highlands, Hela, Western and Enga.
Some people were buried alive, with the Government later declaring a national emergency. Millions of kina in aid and relief assistance poured into the country and distributed to the people affected in those provinces.
The state of emergency was to expedite the restoration of essential public services. The Government approved K450 million for relief operations and to restore services, as well as the formation of an Emergency Disaster Restoration Team and the Establishment of a Restoration Authority to manage long-term reconstruction efforts over a four-year period.