Attachments
544000 PEOPLE AFFECTED
270000 NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
18200+ DISPLACED
4 PROVINCES AFFECTED
HIGHLIGHTS
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A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea (PNG) on 26 February 2018.
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Hela and Southern Highlands are the worstaffected provinces. Western and Enga Provinces have also been impacted.
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Water, food, shelter, medicine and the provision of health services are the priority needs.
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Health concerns include injuries, communicable diseases and psychosocial needs.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) co-chaired the first humanitarian health partner meeting within 24 hours of the earthquake, and is now coleading the Health Cluster with the National Department of Health.
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WHO is working with partners to prevent and prepare for potential outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases; strengthening surveillance, enhancing the existing public health programmes and prepositioning supplies.
Situation update
On 26 February 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea (PNG), triggering landslides, killing and burying people and houses, affecting water sources and destroying crops. The PNG Government declared a state of emergency on 1 March for Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Enga provinces. Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces are the worst affected. At least 70 aftershocks have been recorded, including one of 6.7 magnitude on 7 March.
Access to clean drinking water, food, shelter, medicine and health services are immediate concerns. At least 18 200 people are reported to be displaced and living in informal care centres or other evacuation facilities, often without adequate water and sanitation.
Damaged airfields, bridges and roads, coupled with security threats related to intercommunal violence, are inhibiting the response in some affected areas. As more communities are reached, the estimated needs and casualties are expected to climb.