DFA: Filipinos in Papua New Guinea safe after 7.2 quake

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said none of the estimated 36,000 Filipinos in Papua New Guinea was hurt in the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit the eastern part of the country on Tuesday morning.

In a bulletin sent to reporters on Wednesday, Chargé d’Affaires Mary Grace Villamayor said the Philippine embassy in Port Moresby is in touch with the Filipino community in the affected cities of Lae and Kokopo, and with the Filipino association in the country.

No tsunami warning was issued by the United States Geological Survey-linked Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. It identified the epicenter around 33 km. from the town of Bulolo.

According to the DFA, the earthquake was strong enough to be felt in Port Moresby, about 250 km. away.

As of posting, no casualty or damage to infrastructure has been reported, but Villamayor said the embassy continuously monitors the situation and stands ready to provide the necessary assistance.

In February 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea, triggering landslides that killed more than a hundred people.

For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website

Popular

Zaldy Co in custody of Czech authorities due to immigration concerns, Palace clarifies

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Friday stressed that there was no contradiction between the latest pronouncement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the announcement...

Palace respects ICC’s confirmation of charges vs. FPRRD

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Thursday said it respects the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) latest ruling on the confirmation of charges against former President Rodrigo...

Political issues won’t affect PH’s hosting of ASEAN 2026 —Palace

By Brian Campued The Philippines’ hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu in May will push through amid current...

Palace won’t reject VP Sara’s travel request —Castro

By Brian Campued Malacañang will not reject any request for travel authority to be submitted by Vice President Sara Duterte, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro...