Rebuilding and hope a year on from PNG’s strongest ever earthquake

A look back - a year on - from the devastating earthquake that rocked Papua New Guinea's highlands region.

In 2018 Papua New Guinea's highlands region was hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that devastated local infrastructure and displacing thousands.

More than half a million people were impacted by the disaster with homes, schools and vital infrastructure flattened.

A house destroyed in the earthquake that hit parts of the PNG highlands region on Feb 26, 2018 Source: UNICEF

The quake killed 160 people and left more than 20,000 homeless, following the strongest earthquake to ever strike Papua New Guinea.

Earthquake survivors in emergency shelters. Source: UNICEF

Schools and hospitals were forced to close – and vital resources including power, clean water and healthcare scarce.

A year on, many of those immediate humanitarian needs have been met.

UNICEF has provided water and sanitation for schools. Source: UNICEF

Clean water taps have been installed in some villages following the earthquake. Source: UNICEF

But those on the ground say damaged infrastructure is still affecting peoples' lives.

Rebuilding schools and roads to ensure access to education is now a priority.

School children from schools that were demolished in the earthquake now attend class in tents. Source: UNICEF

“I’d like to see investment into making sure all our schools are functioning, our classrooms are up to speed and teachers are also maintained, many of them were collapsed in the earthquake," PNG Finance Minister James Marape said.

Malnutrition is a persistent issue in parts of PNG. Source: UNICEF

Persistent child malnutrition is another concern.

Children are fed a high-calorie peanut butter mixture. Source: UNICEF

 

"Even before the earthquake malnutrition was a really big problem here. Mainly because of negligence and socio-economic status," paediatrician Rose Hosea said.

Inter-clan fighting caused a delay to aid distribution. Source: UNICEF

Inter-clan fighting has also complicated the delivery of aid.

But a peace agreement signed by two warring factions earlier this month has instilled hope for a better future.

Humanitarian groups fear there are still remote villages they are yet to access and assist a year on from the disaster. Source: UNICEF