Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea, Killing At Least 5

The quake, hitting a flood-stricken region, destroyed approximately 1,000 homes and raised concerns over potentially rising death tolls.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake rocked northern Papua New Guinea early Sunday, resulting in at least five confirmed deaths and the destruction of around 1,000 homes.
The earthquake struck the remote East Sepik region, already battling major flooding, exacerbating the disaster for dozens of villages.
Officials warn the death toll could rise as emergency teams continue to assess the extensive damage in the densely jungled, hard-to-reach areas.
Papua New Guinea, located on the Pacific's seismic 'Ring of Fire', frequently experiences earthquakes but seldom sees such widespread damage.
The region's immediate needs include shelter, clean water, and food, as villages recover from the compounded impact of flooding and seismic activity.