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, 2018M 7.5 – 89km SSW of Porgera, Papua New Guinea
Estimated Population Exposure to Earthquake Shaking
![Population Exposure Map](https://earthquake.usgs.gov/realtime/product/losspager/us2000d7q6/us/1519598316359/exposure.png)
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.