Bird said there are several and so far around 1000 homes have been lost, while they continue assessing the impact of damage.

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has issued a desperate plea for assistance from the United States and other international allies in the aftermath of a devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the Papua New Guinea (PNG) province on Sunday.

The quake, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least three individuals, including two children, has left numerous others injured and has caused widespread destruction throughout the region.

According to reports from the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred just over 40 kilometers deep, compounding the challenges faced by East Sepik, which was already reeling from extensive flooding the previous week.

Governor Bird highlighted the urgent need for medical and emergency aid in the province, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

“While dealing with widespread flooding, earlier today we were rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has damaged most parts of the province. So far around 1000 homes have been lost,” Governor Bird stated, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster.

In response to the crisis, Governor Bird has reached out to the United States for assistance, expressing a desire to procure 5000 water filters and buckets to provide clean drinking water to affected communities.

He appealed to the US Embassy to facilitate the urgent delivery of these essential supplies to East Sepik.

Despite the staggering loss and devastation, Governor Bird expressed confidence in the resilience of the Sepik people, affirming their determination to rebuild in the face of adversity.

He acknowledged the efforts of Samaritan Aviation in providing crucial aid to remote and vulnerable communities in the upper, middle, and lower Sepik regions.

As relief efforts continue and assessments of the damage unfold, Governor Bird reiterated the need for support from international partners beyond the US, welcoming assistance from other countries to address the pressing humanitarian needs in East Sepik.