Strong aftershocks are still being felt up to a week after the first quake.
Caritas is preparing to deliver emergency assistance including basic supplies like food, water and first aid, as well as supporting long-term needs like shelter.
It’s estimated around 150,000 people remain in need of aid. The quake damaged major infrastructure in the country’s remote highlands, including hospitals, an airport, houses, schools, churches and roads.
More than 30 deaths have been confirmed so far and the Government of Papua New Guinea has declared a national state of emergency.
Four provinces have been affected, including the Southern Highlands, Hela Province, Northern Province and the northern half of Western Province.
The extent of the devastation has reportedly taken days to emerge because of the area’s remoteness – it’s about 500km from the capital Port Moresby.
Caritas Australia’s Disaster Response and Management Officer based in PNG, Milton Kwaipo, has been on the ground assessing the extent of damage in Hela Province.
“Water sources have been contaminated and this also includes clean and safe drinking water. These communities depend on water tanks but now have little if any drinkable water,” Mr Kwaipo said.
“There is a great need for help at this moment. There is a need for assistance in terms of food, water and medicine.
“Many families have also been badly affected by the landslides. Some are also scared to go to their gardens and collect food because of the continued tremors.”
If you would like to assist the people of Papua New Guinea, you can donate to the Caritas Australia Pacific Emergency Appeal online or by calling 1800 024 413.