Papua New Guinea: Earthquake - Oct 1993

An earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale shook Papua New Guinea at 12:06 pm local time (02:06 UTC) 13 October. The epicenter is estimated at latitude 5.8 degrees south, longitude 145.6 degrees east, depth normal, 40 kms north northeast of town of Goroka, 440 kms north northwest of Port Moresby. An aftershock of 6.6 occurred at 01:08 pm local time. The epicenter is located in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea which is rugged and mountainous. Outside the provincial capital Goroka, the area is sparsely populated. (UN DHA, 13 Oct 1993)

The earthquakes triggered dozens of landslides in the Finisterre ranges which lie between 146.08 degrees E, 5.50 S and 147.0 E, 6.2 0 S, along the border between Morobe and Madang provinces. According to geologists, this isolated mountainous area is geologically unstable and frequently affected by earthquakes. In the absence of paved roads, access for delivery of relief supplies is only possible by helicopter. The landslides are between 2,000 and 2,500 feet in length and about half a mile wide. They engulfed houses, blocked rivers and have affected food production by the destruction of family gardens. Indications at this stage are that the death toll reaches at least 50, with rising tendency. According to preliminary government estimates, some 60,000 people may have been affected by the event. […] The impact of the disaster is aggravated, as the same area has been severely hit by drought. (UN DHA, 15 Oct 1993)

A second major aftershock hit Papua New Guinea on Saturday, 16 October 1993, at 1.06 pm local time, about 35 miles northeast of Goroka. The magnitude was computed at 6.5 on the Richter scale. Preliminary hypocenter: latitude 5.7 degrees south, longitude 145.8 degrees east, depth normal. UN/DHA Resident Coordinator reports that, according to information provided by the National Disaster and Emergency Services (NDES), the death toll reached 65 as of 18 October 1993. A total of 9,600 people are in a care centre in upper Markham. Attempts are being made to relocate the rest of the population from worst affected areas. Seven commercially hired helicopters are involved in the evacuation operations. Additional landslides and floods have increased the extent of damage in Morobe and Madang provinces. Detailed damage assessment is still underway. According to scientific advice, more aftershocks could be expected, causing further landslides. Efforts will continue to evacuate inhabitants in the areas at risk to safer grounds. (UN DHA, 19 Oct 1993)

Several minor earthquakes of 3 to 4 degrees on the Richter scale occurred following the aftershock of 16 October 1993. Landslides are still continuing in the Eastern Highlands. Highly inflammable gases are emanating out of cracks in the ground in coal mining areas. The death toll has been revised to 40 persons confirmed dead and 21 missing. A total of 1,122 houses are destroyed. 24 schools closed down temporarily. Evacuation of inhabitants to safe localities is continuing. (UN DHA, 21 Oct 1993)

Another major earthquake occurred in Papua New Guinea about 25 miles (40 km) south of Madang or about 280 miles (450 km) north/northwest of Port Moresby at 8:27 pm local time (10:27 am GMT), 25 October 1993. The magnitude was computed at 7.0 on the Richter scale. Preliminary hypocentre is latitude 5.6 degrees south, longitude 145.9 degrees east, depth normal. According to initial information, further landslides were triggered in the Mutzing district (approx. Latitude 6.18 degrees south, longitude 146.1 degrees east) and Menyamya district (approx. 7.12 degrees south, 146.08 degrees east) of Morobe province. Some residents have been moved to safety. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries so far. (UN DHA, 26 Oct 1993)

The general situation remains relatively unchanged. The Government's Geological Survey Division indicated that there have been earthquakes of magnitude around 5 on the Richter scale almost every day since October 13, with some 2,000 aftershocks being recorded. It is impossible to predict how long the earthquakes and aftershocks will continue. Secondary risks exist due to landslides. Numerous lakes were formed by landslides blocking rivers and streams which leads to the further risk of flooding during the rainy season. Official records indicate 41 confirmed dead, 4 people missing. It is unlikely that the population evacuated and staying in three care centres (6,541 people) will be able to return to their homes in the Finisterre range in the immediate future. Return might not be possible before the end of the wet season (May 1994). (UN DHA, 11 Nov 1993)