Fresh tremor shocks

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
PEOPLE in the Highlands region were shocked when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Western, Southern Highlands and Hela on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency Controller Dr William Hamblin told The National yesterday people still recovering from the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in February were again affected.
“There is further damage at Tari Hospital, and it will create further environmental damage in the Strickland River system and into Fly River,” he said.
“This will create further need for food and water supply to Western (province) villages.”
The United States Geological Survey confirmed that the “massive” 6.3 magnitude earthquake had hit the Highlands region.
Southern Highlands police commander Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop and North Fly (Western) police commander Superintendent Joseph Puri both confirmed that the people had once again been traumatised by the latest tremor which occurred around 4pm.
“But the earthquake was not as big as the (7.5 magnitude) one in February 26. It was strong but it did not last long,” Tondop said.
“About 10 seconds or so. It did not cause damage to infrastructures. There is no report of
people being killed or injured.”
A Lake Kopiago district officer in Hela said mourners returning from a funeral at Horali village ran for cover.
“Villagers panicked and ran into the bush after burying a man killed during an armed robbery,” he said.
“After the burial, there was a confrontation between the relatives of the deceased and the suspects over compensation. That’s when the earthquake occurred. There is no report of any damage or injury yet.”
In Nipa, two Unicef officials were attacked when the earthquake sent people running for cover.