Papua New Guinea has been devastated by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that has claimed at least 16 lives and caused “catastrophic havoc and destruction.”
March 1st, 2018
M 7.5 – 89km SSW of Porgera, Papua New Guinea
Estimated Fatalities
Estimated Economic Losses
Estimated Population Exposure to Earthquake Shaking
| MMI | Shaking | Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| I | Not Felt | –* |
| II-III | Weak | 1,387 k* |
| IV | Light | 3,583 k |
| V | Moderate | 1,205 k |
| VI | Strong | 809 k |
| VII | Very Strong | 336 k |
| VIII | Severe | 270 k |
| IX | Violent | 40 k |
| X | Extreme | 0 k |
*Estimated exposure only includes population within map area (k = x1,000)
Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale
Structure Information Summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.