World Vision has launched a water, sanitation and hygiene response in remote parts of Papua New Guinea devastated by a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake which triggered deadly landslides.
It took more than a week for food, water and medical supplies to arrive in highland villages at the centre of the quake, which struck on 26 February 2018.
Based on media reports, the death toll from the quake and landslides has now climbed to more than 100.
Ongoing tribal conflicts and transportation challenges are complicating the delivery of aid to affected areas. World Vision is working with local partners which have established relationships with church organisations in the area.
World Vision PNG's Megan Gaure was just 70 km from the epicentre when the earthquake struck and speaks of the terror of the moment.
“The earthquake went on for 5-6 seconds, slowed down for a few seconds and continued for another 5-6 seconds. The quake violently rocked me in the bed and I held on to my bed post tightly. I thought I was going to die and prayed for God’s protection and that the building wouldn’t collapse on us,” she says.
“I had the chance to talk to some hospital staff and could sense their shock, fear and confusion.
“We learned … that bodies of dead children and the elderly were being brought to the hospital. I witnessed injured people, mostly suffering from fractured bones, being brought in for treatment from with Tari and nearby villages that had access to the hospital.”